Despite the unveiling last Friday of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed $76 billion 2004-05 budget with its restoration of Vehicle License Fee monies to California’s cities and counties, Berkeley’s top two officials say it’s far too early to tell how big an economic hit this city will take. 

“It’s all subject to the whims of the legislature,” said Mayor Tom Bates. “And after that, the Governor has the ability to reduce items or eliminate items that the Senate and the Assembly put in. So we’re a long way from knowing what we have to deal with.” 

As for City Manager Phil Kamlarz, he is not even counting on $3 million in lost state Vehicle License Fee funds (commonly called the “VLF backfill”), which Schwarzenegger has promised to restore. 

“The legislature has said that the governor overstepped his bounds by authorizing the backfill payment without their approval,” Kamlarz said, “so I’m sure that will be played out when they come back in session.” He said Berkeley expects a check from the state for half a million dollars sometime early this week, representing the city’s full monthly VLF payment. 

“We haven’t gotten it yet. When we do, I told our people to run to the bank as soon as possible and cash that sucker,” Kamlarz added. 

In his first public action following his election last November, Schwarzenegger cut the VLF, depriving cities and counties of a combined total of $4 billion per year in funds. For Berkeley, that meant an immedidate subtraction of $350,000 from December’s VLF payment from the state, with an added notation that the city would have to return similar amounts from both the October and November checks which the city had already received. 

After howls of complaint and threats of a lawsuit by several municipalities and counties, Schwarzenegger unilaterally announced that he would pay the cities and counties their full amount, and make up for the lost VLF money by cuts in other areas of the budget. 

If the governor’s action stands, that lost $350,000 in December monies should be sent to Berkeley sometime in the future, and the city will be allowed to keep the full October and November amounts. 

But that is only if the governor’s action stands. 

“His actions [providing the cities and counties with their full VLF backfill payments] are very questionable as to whether what he did is legal,” Bates said. “Elizabeth Hill (Legislative Analyst for the State of California) has said that they were illegal. So if somebody who that money might have gone to—education or mental health agencies—could sue, and the governor could lose, and that would throw the whole thing into a mess. So the cities have been taken care of, temporarily. But it could fall apart at any minute.” 

Following Schwarzenegger’s VLF restoration announcement, Bates said a lawsuit planned by several California cities and counties (including Berkeley) against Schwarzenegger on the issue is presently on hold, but the option is being kept open. “There’s no sense for us to sue, of course, if we get the [full VLF] money.” 

Bates said that if the full VLF checks arrive, the lawsuit will be dropped, but if they don’t, “I would certainly urge that the lawsuit go forward.” 

As far as the current (2003-04) Berkeley budget is concerned, the uncertainty about the VLF backfill will have no effect. Last December, on City Manager Kamlarz’ recommendation, City Council approved $2.75 million of the projected $3 million loss in VLF funds for this year (Council recommended that the remaining $250,000 be taken out of the fire department budget, with Kamlarz and fire department officials to decide the details). 

Kamlarz said that if the VLF backfill is upheld, those $3 million in 2003-04 cuts will most likely remain in place, with the money put into the city’s reserve fund “until we see what comes up next year.” 

Finally, Mayor Bates believes that Berkeley must brace for more bad news, even if it gets the VLF backfill. “If the governor and the legislature make cuts in health care, mental health, homeless, transportation money—that all impacts us,” Bates said. 

“That all plays out on our streets,” he said. “So even though we don’t get that money directly, we have more expenses, we have more problems, we have more difficulties that we have to deal with. Those problems don’t play out on a state level. They play out locally.” 

Council’s next order of business on the budget front will be to hear—and make decisions on—Kamlarz’ specific fiscal recovery plan at its Jan. 27 meeting. Thereafter, budget discussions will be the subject of the 5 p.m. work session preceding every City Council meeting through March.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 

Death Penalty Vigil, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley BART station. Sponsored by Berkeley Friends Meeting. 528-7784. 

East Bay Improv Comedy classes begin at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. For information call 964-0571. 

Writers’ Workshop Jack Foley, author, poet, and KPFA radio host will discuss oral presentation of your written work, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-3635. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Blood pressure checks at 10:30 a.m., and lecture on plants with Dr. Robert Raabi, botanist, at 11 a.m. 845-6830. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers We are a few slowpoke seniors who walk between a mile or two each Tuesday, meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Little Farm parking lot. To join us, call 215-7672.  

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 234-4783. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 

Community Forum on Police Canine Unit at 7 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. The Berkeley Police Review Commission is planning a series of Community Meetings to provide information and a forum to discuss the proposed Berkeley Police Department (BPD) canine program. Additional forums will be held Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center and Feb. 11 at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 

Teens and Drugs a discussion for parents, guardians, caregivers and community members from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Little Theater at Berkeley High School. Sponsored by the BHS Parent Resource Center, Parents of Children of African Descent (PCAD), and the BHS Health Center.  

“Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow: The Evolution of the Jewish Community” with Ted Feldman, Executive Director, JFCs. Bring your own lunch; coffee and tea provided. From noon to 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5. 848-0237, ext. 112. 

Writers’ Room Coach Training is offered from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for volunteers who would like to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. To attend please call Terry Bloomburgh at 849-4134 or email Bloomburgh@sbcglobal.net 

Fun with Acting class meets at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome. 985-0373. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. ww.geocities.com/ 

vigil4peace/vigil 

Free Marketing Workshops, sponsored by Sisters Headquarters, for women entrepreneurs, every Wed. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 643 17th St. Oakland. For information call 238-1100. 

Prose Writers Workshop Novices welcome. Experienced facilitator. Community sponsored, no fee. Meets 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut, at Rose. For information call 524-3034. 

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. For information call 548-0425. 

Community Dances, traditional English and American dances, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, $9. 7 p.m. first Sunday, $10. Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 233-5065. www.bacds.org 

Free Feldenkrais ATM Classes for adults 55 and older at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut at Rose. For information call 848-0237.  

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 

“So How’d You Become an Activist?” with Daniel Ellsberg and Sherry Glasser at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. Suggested donation $5. For more information call 528-5403. 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting at 7:30 p.m. at LeConte School, 2241 Russell. Agenda includes the city budget, traffic circles, and new mixed use developments. For more information call 843-2602. 

East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus, led by Achi ben Shalom, meets on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Audition required. Cost is $120. For more information or to arrange an audition, email shalom@adamamusic.net or call 528-8872. 

Desert Hiking in All Seasons at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Liberation Radio 104.1 FM holds public meetings for all interested people first and third Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the Long Haul Info Shop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 595-0190.  

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Otto J. M. Smith, Prof. Emeritus, Electrical Engineering, UCB, on “There is Still Hope.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $11.50 - $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

End the Nightmare; Bring Back the Dream! Participate in continuous readings of Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break the Silence,” in front of the Oakland Federal Building, 1302 Clay St. near the 12th St. BART station.  

Applying Earth Charter Principles in Daily Life An interactive workshop with Ellis Jones, co-author of “The Better World Handbook,” at 6 p.m. at the Fellowship of Humanity, 390 27th St. Suggested donation $15. 655-8252. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. For information call Katherine, 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Sproul Room, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 587-3257. www.berkeleycna.com 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Basic Personal Preparedness for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Fire Department Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes or by calling 981-5506. 

Pruning and Winter Care for Healthier Roses, 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

First Annual Crab Feed and Auction presented by Communication, Arts and Sciences Program of Berkeley High School, from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $35. Service graciously provided by CAS Students. For ticket reservations and/or Auction donations, please e-mail your request to sstier@acgov.org  

African-American/African Dialog If you consider yourself of African descent and would like to participate in a dialogue between African-American and African immigrants, please join us from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Downs Memorial United Methodist Church, 6026 Idaho St . near San Pablo and 60th, Oakland. Please RSVP to 527-4099. 

California Writers’ Club Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pamada discus how to find an agent at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-3635. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. For further information and to register, call 848-7800. 

Pet Adoptions, sponsored by Home at Last, from noon to 5 p.m., Hearst and 4th St. 548-9223. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, JAN. 18 

In the Name of Love, a tribute and 75th birthday celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 7:30 p.m. at the Calvin Simmons Theater, 10 Tenth St. Oakland. Tickets are $12-$20 available from www.ticketweb.com or 866-468-3399. 

“Unraveling the Lying Liars of the Great American Dynasty” with Paul Krugman, Al Franken, Kevin Phillips and Amy Goodman at 7 p.m. in the Berkeley Community Theater, 1930 Allston Way at Milvia. Tickets are available at Global exchange or by calling 415-392-4400. 

Tibetan Buddhism, Erika Rosenberg and Paul Brumbaum on “Engaging the Challenges of Life and Work” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Eckhart Tolle Talks on Video, free gatherings at 7:30 p.m. to hear the words of the author of “The Power of Now” at the Feldenkrais Ctr., 830 Bancroft Way. 547-2024. EdScheuerlein@aol.com  

MONDAY, JAN. 19 

City Office Closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 

Martin Luther King Jr. Rally Join in a multi-cultural Peace Celebration in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Dr. King’s birth, with Danny Glover, Barbara Lee, and local performers, at 10:30 a.m. at the ILWU Warehouse Union Hall-Local 6, 99 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland. 638-0365. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

ONGOING 

Freedom From Tobacco A free quit-smoking class offered by the City of Berkeley Tobacco Prevention Program on six Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 22 to Feb. 26, at the Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. To enroll please call 981-5330 or e-mail at quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us.  You will receive a confirmation of your registration.   

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League offers an exciting opportunity for East Bay girls in grades 1-8 to learn softball, make friends and have fun! Registration starts in January; the season runs March 6 through June 5. For information call 869-4277. www.abgsl.org 

Vista Community College Classes in Computer Software begins Jan. 15. Enrollment is open through Jan. 24. Register on-line at www.peralta.cc.ca.us or at 2020 Milvia St., or call 981-2863. 

Creating Economic Opportunities for Women offers training programs for immigrant and refugee women. Orientations held during January, at 655 International Blvd., 2nd flr. Call 879-2949. 

Acting and Storytelling Classes for Seniors, offered by Stagebridge. Wednesdays and Fridays, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., close to BART and AC Transit. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

Acting and Improv Classes for Adults begin Sun. Jan. 25. Cost is $125 for 8 wks. On- 

going classes for children and teens. Verna Winter Studio, 1312 Bonita Ave. 524-1601. 

Tae-Bo, a cardiovascular workout composed of kick punches and stretches will be offered at Frances Albrier Recreation Center, 2800 Park St., on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 13. Cost is $20 per month or $4 drop-in. For information call 981-6640.  

Free Smoke Detectors for City residents and UC Berkeley students who live off-campus. Applications are available from the Environment, Health & Safety office of UC Berkeley, at any Berkeley Fire Station, or at the Fire Admin. Office located at 2100 MLK, Jr. Way. 981-5585.  

Free Energy Bill Payment Assistance The City of Berkeley has money to help low-income households pay their gas and electric bills. For applications contact the Energy Office at 644-8544. TDD: 981-6903. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Paul Church, 981-6342. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/disability 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. at 2090 Kittredge. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Public Forum on proposed Plice Canine Unit. Barbara Attard, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti, 644-6376 ext. 224. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/waterfront 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs. Jan. 15,  

at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs. Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/housing 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/transportation 

Two-by-Two Meeting of elected City and School officials to dicuss common concerns, Thurs., Jan. 15, at 8:30 a.m., in the Redwood Room, 6th floor, 2180 Milvia St. 644-6147, 981-7000.

• 

IRANIAN PERSPECTIVE 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

I would like to start off this e-mail by first saying I’m a 17-year-old Iranian college student, and a son to two political prisoners who fled Iran more than two decades ago because of the oppressive government. I recently read the article by on the supposed derailment of any chance for improved relations between the U.S. government and Iranian regime (“Bush Remark Derails Iranian Rapprochement,” Daily Planet, Jan. 6-8).  

Although I am by no means a supporter of President Bush and his policies I think this issue should be looked at more closely. I would to refer to several things you said in the article regarding the current regime in Iran. Beeman states, “Most Americans do not realize that Iran has open and fair elections.” This is grossly inaccurate; Iran’s theocratic regime is not democratic by any means. Candidates running have to be completely part of the regime and its system—no deviance from this is allowed, even among pseudo reformists like Khatami. The label put on Khatami is just a label; he has not shown in his actions that he is any different then the hard line clerics.  

Beeman then says that although the constitution is flawed and gives power to conservative clerics, “the nation follows its precepts assiduously.” I am absolutely appalled by the ignorance of this statement. While some Iranian citizens still believe in their theocracy, the majority of Iranians want a sweeping secular transformation, as was evident by the many protests over the summer by Iranian students calling for freedom and true democracy. Iran is a nation with 70 percent of its population under the age of 30, and the majority of which is not happy with the reform government and want immediate changes. Aside from their unfair elections this regime has been condemned by the United Nations 50 times for their severe human rights violations. It has executed over 120,000 political prisoners and uses numerous types of brutal torture in its prisons. Amnesty International in 2003 reported that: “Freedom of expression and association continued to be restricted by the judiciary, and scores of students, journalists and intellectuals were detained. At least 113 people, including long-term political prisoners, were executed, frequently in public and some by stoning, and 84 were flogged, many in public.”  

Beeman next goes on the issue of terrorism and states that the Iranian regime is not a sponsor of terror and “They are utterly opposed to both the Taliban and Al Qaeda on both religious and political grounds.” Beeman lacks any evidence or reason to support any of these claims, disregarding the fact that Al Qaeda and the Taliban share the same right wing Islamic-fundamentalist perspective as the current regime in Iran. All three of them support anti-western and strictly theocratic states. Religiously they are not very far apart. Iran has also been accused of numerous international terrorist acts, including the bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires.  

Beeman also is quick to praise Iran for its quick compliance with its nuclear programs, but it has yet to be seen what inspections will reveal about a dangerous program in the hands of a terrorist regime. I do not support the United States taking military action in Iran nor do I support the policies of the current Bush administration, but I also do not support the current regime of Iran in any way.  

In closing I would like to state that I hope that in the future Mr. Beeman, and especially your readers will take the time to examine and be critical of both countries when discussing American foreign policy. 

Hamid Yazdanpanah 

• 

DOWNTOWN PARKING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Downtown Berkeley has two problems that give consumers pause before shopping there: the homeless and a lack of convenient parking.  

I have been visiting downtown Berkeley regularly since attending high school and working at the old Kress store in the ‘70s. While it is marginally more economically vibrant than it was in the past, it has failed to fulfill its potential as a destination for the vast majority of residents who use their personal vehicles as their primary modes of transportation. 

While residents of Berkeley’s hills snidely comment on the rush of development in Emeryville, they certainly appear to fill the new stores and theaters in that community. 

Few would suggest more big box retailers are needed in Berkeley, but the simple truth is that people drive their cars when they want to shop, eat or have a good time. Until there is more parking in downtown Berkeley, the homeless will continue to outnumber folks enjoying Berkeley’s ambiance after the sun goes down most weekday nights. 

Paul Lecky 

• 

PARKING = SHOPPING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I am writing in response to Jane Scantlebury’s opinion letter about the destruction of the parking garage and its replacement by housing (“Librarian Casts Dubious Eye on Library Gardens,” Daily Planet, Jan. 6-8). I too am outraged by this and would like to voice my opinion as loudly and clearly as she has. 

I am a Berkeley resident. Without sufficient parking for the downtown Shattuck area, I will be forced—let me repeat that, forced—to shop elsewhere. I cannot count how many times I have driven in circles trying to find parking, only to remember that, yes, I can park in the garage by the library. My daughter and I have parked there and gone to movies, shopped, stopped for ice cream, and conducted research at the library on the tree seed that she found in the park for an oral report she gave to her class. I go to the bank, get copies, and even stop by the music store to buy sheet music. 

If this plan goes through, I can say unequivocally that when I think about going to the movies or the bookstores or Christmas shopping, it will not be to go to downtown Berkeley. I will head to Oakland or Emeryville or Pinole. Who wants the hassle of driving in circles and then parking a mile away? 

It is the purpose of municipal government to protect and defend the rights of all city citizens—businesses and general public alike. By requiring businesses to replace (whether on that property or elsewhere) a fundamental use facility which they are destroying, the city is protecting both the rights of the developer to build, and the rights of the citizens to retain a sense of community. ZAB should require all developers to provide a positive community element for all new development, to offset whatever detriments their project inadvertently brings. Simply because it is business, it is not always all good. 

Has there been an environmental assessment report as to the traffic and hazards that will be associated with this development? Where is it and what does it say? If not, why not?  

DeClerq and partners do have a responsibility to provide parking for the public and other businesses—if this is where they want to develop. We are not free to develop without consequences. Yes, we can build. But we must build with forethought and planning, or we will end up with ghost towns for downtown and a maze of traffic congestion near schools and through narrow streets. 

I also am asking ZAB to deny a use permit for Library Gardens. Yes, Berkeley needs housing. But not at such cost to its civic heart. 

Maria Sundeen 

• 

PROPAGANDISTS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Recent news coverage in the Daily Planet of pro-Palestinian propagandists bear commentary. In the case of Henry Norr’s firing by the San Francisco Chronicle, such action was clearly merited (“Ousted Writer Settles With Chronicle,” Daily Planet, Jan. 6-9). Membership in an extremist political group such as the ISM and corresponding reportage of the target of said organization in a publication striving for objectivity is collusion deemed unethical in American journalism. Indeed, Mr. Norr boasts he a member of the ISM, a political order which according to Mother Jones Magazine embraces Palestinian terrorists as freedom fighters and has harbored both leaders of Islamic Jihad as well as suicide bombers. That he has also written critically about Israel in a publication which values its impartiality was sufficient reason in itself to give Mr. Norr his well-deserved walking papers. 

Concerning the Daily Planet’s coverage of the recent arrest of local activist Kate Rafael for obstructing the construction of a fence designed to keep homicide bombers from entering Israel, Jakob Schiller’s usual excellent reporting leaves something to be desired (“Israel Frees Jailed Local Activist,” Daily Planet, Jan. 9-12). While interviewing two pro-Palestinian sympathizers of Rafael, Schiller neglected to ask commentary of any local organization, such as the Jewish Federation or Hillel, which supports Israel.  

One of the local individuals interviewed by Schiller is Barbara Lubin and when it comes to Israel, there could hardly be any more biased Berkeley resident. Ms. Lubin, after an encounter with Hezbollah terrorists, said that “Hezbollah are nothing but ordinary schleps like you and me.” When later asked if she worried that some of the money she collected for her Middle Eastern Children’s Alliance would be siphoned off by Palestinian terrorist organizations, Ms. Lubin said, “If it goes to some freedom fighters, it goes to some freedom fighters...” 

As Kate Rafael’s critique of Israeli human rights, the Israeli courts have been internationally praised for their fair-mindedness under the equivalent of a war situation. Indeed, compare the judicial treatment of Palestinians with the American treatment of imprison members of Al Qaeda. Moreover, contrast human rights extended toward dissidents, women and gays in Israel with the Palestinian summary execution of “collaborators,” short jail sentences for “honor murders” of wives and daughters, and imprisonment of homosexuals. Indeed, the latter might give Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism pause before they next demonstrate at the Israeli Consulate. 

Dan Spitzer 

• 

FUNDRAISER TOTALS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The report on fundraising for music in Berkeley public schools (“Music Fundraiser Results,” Daily Planet, Jan. 9-12) didn’t tell the full story. 

To date we have raised nearly $15,000—twice the amount quoted in the story—to restore the $138,000 cut from the school district’s music budget this year. This money should be enough to meet, beginning in the spring semester, the top priority of restoring middle school instrumental instruction. 

Rasputin Music generously spearheaded one element of a broad-based emergency response to music cuts announced last spring. Extreme Pizza, Berkeley’s public libraries, a local student who played weekends on Fourth Street as a good deed in preparation for his bar mitzvah, and many parents and Berkeley residents—have been generous and creative in their efforts to maintain Berkeley’s renowned music curriculum despite debilitating budget cuts. 

As a community we must be grateful to all these dedicated people. And we must realize that this private, crisis-based approach is not the way to keep music—or athletics, or libraries, or at this point even textbooks—in our schools. For that, only a stable and adequate tax base will do. 

Trina Ostrander, Executive Director 

Berkeley Public Education Foundation 

(fiscal sponsor for “Save Music” campaigns this year) 

• 

A SUGGESTION 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

If you don’t like America then move to Iraq. We will all be happy to see you idiots leave. 

Jim Hamel 

• 

GETTING EXERCISE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Perhaps this is emblematic of the obesity epidemic that rages in this country. The YMCA is leading the charge to require more parking downtown. (“Library Gardens Accord Ruptures Over Parking,” Daily Planet, Jan. 6-8). 

Did it ever occur to the YMCA that its patrons could get a little exercise on their way to exercise at the gym by riding their bicycles there? 

Mark Johnson 

• 

XXXXXXXXXX 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

It was no surprise that there was an expensive flood at Malcolm X, due in part to the district’s failure to do simple preventive maintenance such as to remove leaves clogging drains.  

Despite three years of funding of almost $12 million dollars since 2000 from our parcel tax, Measure BB, the Maintenance Department has been unable to move from putting out fires to doing the real job of maintenance, which is the preventive maintenance. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The cure for flooding at Malcolm X is estimated to be at least $44,000, while a simple half hour of raking leaves would probably have prevented the flooding.  

Last fall, no one on the existing Maintenance oversight committee volunteered to be the chair. The existing co-chairs resigned. The “unofficial minutes” states some of the reasons for the resignation are: “The committee seems to have made little progress...the committee is still talking about cleaning bathrooms, pulling weeds and fixing irrigation systems; the department is still struggling with...manpower and hiring; the facilities departments are politicized, protect their own interests and bank accounts or funds, and do not work together as a unit to perform in our schools the way the district should. Construction standards seem to be no one’s bailiwick.”  

Three years ago, the superintendent set out on a course to stifle and limit citizen oversight, throwing out a plan which took three years to develop, stating that she knew how to run maintenance. Well, $12 million dollars later, the superintendent’s plan is a mess. Plus, BUSD has conducted no audits as required by Measure BB.  

We in Berkeley are generous, especially when the specter of little children are raised. We have been told, Berkeleyans never turn down a school spending measure.  

Therefore, BUSD has now turned into a cash cow for administrators, who keep giving themselves large raises while laying off teachers and closing school libraries. These school administrators have never had to be effective, efficient, or even accountable. BUSD school board members received a 30 percent raise last year.  

If after $12 million, they can’t even clean bathrooms and rake the leaves, it’s time to cut off the money supply.  

Yolanda Greening 

Nothing pumps an audience more than music with a beat, performers with attitude, and dancers jumping off the stage into the audience! This is exactly how Berkeley High School’s Dance Production 2004 begins.  

This annual production features BHS juniors and seniors who’ve auditioned before a panel of judges and have been admitted to the Dance Production class, performing several student-choreographed dances.  

The show features all kinds of dance, including hip-hop, modern, ballet, jazz, and more. The dancers perform with an enthusiasm and commitment to movement that inspires everyone. One might think it difficult to perform in front of your high school peers; but these dancers are fearless. They obviously love the stage.“Nothing beats being on stage in front of a full house, with all the hooting and hollering!” said Jono Brandel, a BHS senior.  

“This year was really great. There was more dance per square foot than in past years,” said Linda Carr, BHS dance teacher. “The movements were more challenging, big, and full,” she added.  

Each dance on the program has something unique to offer the audience. 

The most physical dance on the program is “Cyclic Photophosphorylation,” choreographed by Brandel. It is full of challenging lifts and balancing acts. Dancers take running leaps onto each other’s backs, shoulders, and waists. 

Brandel said Dance Production has meant a lot to him. He said he never knew how to dance and used to try and imitate MTV music videos before he was convinced to try out. “It has opened up a whole new world for me—there’s so much freedom—you really get the chance to express yourself and explore,” he said. 

Brandel is also an artist and said art has helped him to take risks in dance and not be afraid. “The main thing art has helped me with is guts. I’m not afraid to show who I am,” he said.  

“Lobsters,” choreographed by Carly Boland and Sonja Dale, featured a duet between a bashful couple, Sonja Dale and Colin Epstein, and one between a passionate couple, Jack Nicolaus and Liza Cirolia, and one dancer, Leslie Hyman, longing for a partner. The music choices of “Beauty and the Beast” (Disney) and Lake Louise (Yuki Kuramoto) created a cute, overly dramatic mood. The piece was well staged with two benches as props and partnering that showed off the abilities of the choreographers and the dancers. 

Nicolaus choreographed a high-powered piece called “Revolution,” in which the dancers wore jeans and white-collared shirts. They gave the impression of constantly running towards something, with fast steps and a fixed gaze on something in the audience.  

Nicolaus tried out for Dance Production because a friend dared him to. “I got in, and he didn’t,” he said. Nicolaus is also a football player and thinks that dancing has helped his footwork on the field. “The physicalness of dance and the performance aspect of it, create the perfect art form,” he said.  

For a change of pace, “Gone Spanish,” choreographed by Sara Assadi-nik, featured Spanish music, red and black Spanish style costumes, and Salsa moves. Interspersed throughout the piece are short love-hate relationship stories, which keep it entertaining. During the chorus, all 28 dancers strut back and forth across stage. This piece is a true crowd motivator, with a surprising and funny ending.  

The BHS intermediate and advanced dance classes each showcased a piece in the performance as well.  

Student creativity shone through in the variety of choreography in the show. “This year we had a few exceptionally good choreographers,” said Carr. She said that as the performances approached, she really tried to bring out the choreographer’s original intent. 

“I’ve had so much fun getting to choreograph,” said Annie Goodman, BHS senior and choreographer of “Zeppy.” “It’s like people have been putting away ideas all year and building up this energy. It’s a great chance to express and release feelings from the school year,” she added.  

Clarissa Chan, BHS senior and choreographer of Crudite and An Abyss Between Unconsciousness, said she appreciated the chance to choreograph and has thought about producing shows in the future. “We get to do everything ourselves—decide the lighting, the costumes,” said Chan. She said her ideas for choreography come from the music. “I listen to it, get an image, and go from there.”  

BHS dancers enjoy getting to know other dance enthusiasts in their school. Brandel said, “My favorite part is the every day stuff. Going to classes with people interested in learning your choreography, and learning other choreography, is great.”  

The Dance Production 2004 show is a success and displays a joy of dance and a true community of dancers. “Everyone bonds so quickly in that situation. We are a very tightly knit group,” said Goodman.  

The first two shows were last Friday and Saturday, and Dance Production performs again this weekend—Jan. 16 and 17—with shows starting at 8 p.m. in the Florence Schwimley Little Theater. 

Writer Robyn Gee is a Berkeley High School student.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Anthony Swofford conveys the horrors of war in “Jarhead: A Marine’s Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Donna Rosenthal will discuss “The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave. 843-3533. 

Peter Hart exposes “The Oh Really? Factor: Unspinning Fox News Channel’s Bill O’Reilly,” co-written with Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kairos Youth Choir Open House at 4:30 p.m., 2401 LeConte at Scenic. The choir is enrolling boys and girls ages 7-15 for the spring musical “The Impossible Dream.” Auditions held throughout January. 849-8271 or info@kairoschoir.org 

Mimi Fox, solo guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Edessa and The Toids at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Balkan dance lesson with Nancy Klein at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Dayna Stephens House Jam at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $5. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a showcase of ensembles, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 

CHILDREN 

Preschool Storytime, a program introducing books and music to promote early literacy skills, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library West Branch, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

John Dyckman and Joseph Cutler discuss “Scapegoats at Work: Taking the Bull’s-Eye Off Your Back” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

David L. Kirp, professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley introduces “Shakespeare, Einstein, and the Bottom Line: The Marketing of Higher Education” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

The Whole Note Poetry Series, with Albert Wolmer and Sparrow 13, and open mic, at 7 p.m. at The Beanery, 2925 College Ave., near Ashby. 549-9093. 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7, $5 with student i.d. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Orchestre Révoluntionnaire et Romantique & The Monteverdi Choir, conducted by John Elliot Gardiner, at 8 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $36-$72, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Billy Dunn and Bluesway at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson with Nick and Shanna at 8:00 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Phillips, Grier & Flinner, bluegrass, new grass, jazzgrass, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Ragas and Talas, classical Indian music open jam at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. $5 donation. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

Nicole and The Soul Sisters at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

The Shots play acoustic old time, bluegrass and cajun at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Jules Broussard, Bing Nathan and Ned Boynton at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Taarka, an instrumental acoustic group, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 

THEATER 

Shotgun Players, “The Death of Meyerhold,” through Jan. 23 at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Thurs.-Sat. performan- 

ces at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12-$18, available from 925-798-1300. 704-8210.  

www.shotgunplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Scheer, Christopher Scheer and Lakshmi Chaudhry expose “The Five Biggest Lies Bush Told Us About Iraq,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. www.codysbooks.com 

Dia North introduces “The Smart Spot” on the creative power of intuition at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-3635. 

Kevin Danaher, co-founder of Global Exchange, and Jason Mark discuss their new book, ”Insurrection: Citizen Challenges to Corporate Power” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with Maggie Morley and Lisa Ann LoBasso, followed by an open mic, at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. 526-5985, 205-1749.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Benefit for Berkeley High Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Robert W. Getz, improvisational piano, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Cost is $8-$15 sliding scale. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

Mark Growden at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Ian Moore at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Rachel Garlin and friends perform contemporary folk at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Estero at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Mas Cabeza, salsa, funk, jazz at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Keni El Lebrijano, flamenco guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 

CHILDREN 

Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-3635. 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

Elizabeth Valoma, paintings, at North Berkeley Frame and Gallery, 1744 Shattuck Ave. Reception 5:30 to 8 p.m. Exhibition runs to March 13. 549-0428. 

THEATER 

“Dido and Aeneas,” a fusion of opera and fire arts, presented by The Crucible, with artists from San Francisco Opera and American Bach Soloists, with hors d’oeuvres and silent auction at 6:30 p.m., performance at 8 p.m. 1260 7th St. Oakland. Tickets are $125 and are available from 444-0919. 

FILM 

“Boondock Saints,” about two Irish brothers in South Boston who take justice into their own hands, at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, a reading room, library and community center in South Berkeley located at 3124 Shattuck Ave. Donation of $3-$5 requested, no one turned away. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

Victor Sjostrom: “The Phantom Chariot” at 7 p.m. and “The Wild Strawberries” at 9:25 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston reads from her new book, “The Legend of Fire-Horse Woman” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. www.codysbooks.com 

Gavin Menzies introduces his historical narrative, “1421: The Year China Discovered America,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. www.codysbooks.com 

Dennis Bernstein will read his poetry at the Fellowship Café & Open Mic, 7:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, Cedar and Bonita Sts. A donation of $5-$10 is requested.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley High’s Dance Production at 8 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Allston and MLK. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, available at the door. Come early, shows sell out! 644-6120. 

Benefit for the Interfaith Pagan Celebration with Tempest and Avalon Rising at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10-$15. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. A special lecture by Frankie Manning, the Ambassador of Lindy Hop at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Omeyocan Urban Fusion at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Under the Radar, a night of poetry and electronic pop at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$10, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204.  

www.epicarts.org 

Rachel Garlin and friends perform contemporary folk at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jackie Ryan at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Velvet Teen, Plus Ones, Addicted to Fiction, Squab, Four Days Late at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Nathan Clevenger, Group West and The Lost Trio perform modern jazz at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Silding scale donation of $8-$15 requested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

André Sumelius at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

The Skin Divers at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Gerry Tenney at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kids on the Block Puppet Show, promoting acceptance and understanding of physical and cultural differences at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave., lower level. Sug- 

gested donation $3. Children under 3 free. 549-1564. 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

THEATER 

“Dido and Aeneas,” a fusion of opera and fire arts, presented by The Crucible, with artists from San Francisco Opera and American Bach Soloists, at 8 p.m. 1260 7th St. Oakland. Tickets are $25 and are available from 444-0919. 

FILM 

Mann’s World: “Desperate” at 6 p.m., “T-Men” at 7:35 p.m. and “Raw Deal” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley High’s Dance Production at 8 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Allston and MLK. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, available at the door. Come early, shows sell out! 644-6120. 

Hip Hop Forever, presented by Youth Movement Records, at 8 p.m., at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Samba Ngo and the Ngoma Players, perform African-rock-funk-jazz fusion at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Flamenco Spirit with Yaelisa and Caminos Flamencos at 6 and 9 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $35-$40 and includes dinner. For reservations call 843-0662. www.cafedelapaz.net 

Spezza Rotto, the Mass, Three Piece Combo at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.  

www.starryploughpub.com  

Darryl Henriques, satire and social commentary at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $17.50 in advance, $18.50 at the door. 548-1761. 

www.freightandsalvage.org 

Pat Carroll, contemporary jazz, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10-$12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Pick Pocket Ensemble performs European café music at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Eileen Hazel, with special guests Helen Chaya and Sumir Rawal, at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Libby Kirkpatrick and Erika Luckett at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Roy Henderson Quartet at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Nicole McRory at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Scott Amendola at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Wrangler Brutes, Jewdirver, Shemps, Orphans, Onion Flavored Rings at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, JAN. 18 

FILM 

Screenagers: 6th Annual Bay Area High School Film and Video Festival at 2:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Al Franken, Paul Krugman, Kevin Phillips and Amy Goodman present “Unraveling the Lying Liars of the Bush Dynasty” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater on the Berkeley High Campus. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and are available at Cody’s Books or www.cityboxoffice.com 

Poetry Flash with Eve Wood and Rafaella Del Bourgo at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Mary Tolman Kent remembers her eighty years in Berkeley in her family memoire, “The Closing Circle” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Itzhak Perlman, violin, at 3 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$86, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

California Revels, “Freedom’s Journey and the Song” Wendell Brooks, Thena Berry, and Kent Overshown explore the theme of freedom as expressed in African American folk songs from slavery through ragtime and the Civil Rights Movement. At 2 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, available from 925-798-1300. 

Domingo de Rumba Community participatory event for those who want to play, sing or dance, at 3:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Israeli Golden Oldies Folk Dance from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. Bring potluck drinks and snacks. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Flamenco Open Stage featuring Grupo Andnaza at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

ACME Observatory Contemporary Performance Series presents Vorticella and Three Trapped Tigers at 8:15 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations accepted. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

M-Pact, rockin’ a cappella at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Over My Dead Body, Find Him and Kill Him, The Mistake, Lights Out at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, JAN. 19 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Kevin Phillips discusses “American Dynasty: Aristocracy, Fortune, and the Politics of Deceit in the House of Bush” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Wild Fermentation Book Tour with SandorKraut Learn how to make healthy fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut, and wine at 7 p.m. at the Long Haul, a reading room, library and community center in South Berkeley located at 3124 Shattuck Ave. Donation of $3-$5 requested, no one turned away. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

Poetry Express, theme night: Other People’s Poems, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

Francis D. Adams and Barry Sanders discuss “Alienable Rights: The Exclusion of African Americans in a White Man’s Land, 1619-2000” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Just two days after approving a use permit, city planners booted a nonprofit from its office space in one of Berkeley’s most drug-blighted neighborhoods, revoking their permit amid allegations the group’s chief planned to bring a cannabis club to the site. 

City Planner Mark Rhodes said he decided to revoke the Transfer of Use Permit for 2880 Sacramento St. after city officials caught wind that besides providing office space for various nonprofits, the applicant also intended to relocate the Cannabis Buyer’s Network from its home on Shattuck Avenue. 

“Even if it’s just a twinkle in their eye, they need to disclose that when they apply for a permit,” Rhodes said.  

The Berkeley Community Resource Network took over the permit to house office and administrative space previously held by a Building Opportunity for Self Sufficiency (BOSS) psychology clinic. But even before the paperwork was completed Wednesday, word spread through South Berkeley that BCRN head James Church envisioned the building as the future home for the marijuana distribution cooperative he helps run. 

At a Friday meeting of top city brass, Rhodes said he had collected enough evidence from city officials who interact with cannabis clubs and from “conversations with community folks” to revoke the permit. 

His decision infuriated Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who called it another example where “The Planning Department does something illegal.” 

“The city revoked their permit based solely on rumors,” Worthington said. “You can’t punish someone because you think they might do something.” 

In an interview last week, Church insisted that the cannabis club had outgrown its home at Long Haul, a collective of nonprofits across from La Pena, but had not settled on a future home, and added that if they opted for the Sacramento Street site they would first seek city permission and neighborhood approval. 

Rhodes insisted the mere intention to relocate the pot club to Sacramento Street was grounds to revoke the permit. A city ordinance approved by Council in 2001, he said, requires a permit applicant to disclose if he intends to dispense marijuana at the site. He said he expects to meet with Church later this week, and said if Church assures him he has no plans to include the cannabis club, he would reinstate the permit. 

“‘We’re not sure’ isn’t going to be a good enough answer,” Rhodes said. “Either it is or it isn’t.” 

The building in question sits at Sacramento and Russell Streets, one block from the scene of a daylight shoot-out last summer and in the heart of a neighborhood with a tawdry reputation for drugs. 

“It’s one of the areas where we get many complaints of drug dealing,” said Berkeley Police spokesperson Kevin Schofield. The BPD offered no public comment about the controversy, but city sources said top police officials opposed the move, fearing it would lead to more drug crimes in the neighborhood. 

Last year, Berkeley cannabis advocates closed down a pot distribution cooperative on University Avenue and California Street after a string of armed robberies, said Hillary McQuie of the Berkeley-based Cannabis Action Network. And on Christmas Eve, Schofield said, an armed robber stole marijuana and cash from a pot club on Telegraph. 

Most Sacramento Street neighbors interviewed feared that bringing a pot club into the mix would make a bad situation intolerable. 

“That would be the end of South Berkeley,” said Sam Herbert. “To put that in a neighborhood so blighted with drugs is like dropping a lighted match on a pile of gasoline soaked rags.” 

But neighbors of the Cannabis Buyer’s Network—one of three pot clubs in Berkeley licensed to sell marijuana to patients with a doctor’s perscription—said they haven’t had any problems with the club. 

Church said his group provides security escorts for patients, so they aren’t targets when they leave the office, and that he can’t recall a robbery in their seven years of existence. 

Fallout from the city’s action was felt hardest by a prostitute advocacy organization. Robin Few, director of the Sex Workers Outreach Project USA, said she had just finished moving supplies into the group’s first office at the site when Church alerted her Saturday night that the city had revoked the permit. 

“This is pretty devastating for us,” Few said. “We’re so appalled that Berkeley has taken the right-wing stance to attack a healing center.” 

Few said Church had told her he planned to move the cannabis club to the site, but, “that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.” A needle exchange was also in the works, she said. 

The controversy over the cannabis club highlights Berkeley’s haphazard effort to implement Proposition 215, a state ballot measure that in 1996 legalized medical marijuana.  

Rhodes said the first clubs that sprang up after the law passed—including the club on Shattuck—won their permits by claiming to sell T-shirts, mugs or other items. By the time the city realized their true intentions, he said, they were already established, so the city passed the 2001 ordinance to regulate future moves. 

Worthington criticized city policy for not giving clear guidelines where pot clubs are permitted. In 1999 he proposed legislation providing zoning directives for clubs, but said then-City Manager James Keane rebuffed the plan. 

“The club wants to go through the proper channels, but the city isn’t clear what the proper channels are,” Worthington said. 

If the club is ultimately permitted into the Sacramento Street office, it will need to win a new permit and likely face a public hearing. Though most neighbors were leery, a few thought the club could make a contribution. 

“It’s ridiculous to hear some of the community outrage,” said Rev. Mark Wilson of McGee Avenue Baptist Church. “We’re talking about an organization that’s trying to help people, not about a group dealing drugs. Folks in wealthy communities can get it whenever they want, but they’re not going to give you that information at Alta Bates, so you have to bring it to the people.”

The Daily Planet editorial of Dec. 19-22 invited positive ideas for the future of the Holy Land. Following is a summary of a peace plan which I presented 

at a conference on “war and peace” that took place in London in 1991, and which is still relevant today. 

The heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the struggle for territory. The remedy is not just simply to divide the land but to also compensate the party that loses what it regards as its rightful land. Even though the pre-1967 boundary of Israel is an arbitrary cease-fire line which does not reflect the historic claims of either side, in fact there is now an international acceptance of that boundary, including by Arab nations, which has to serve as the de-facto starting line. 

The Holy Land should therefore be divided into Israel within its pre-1967 boundary and a Palestinian state in the Gaza and the whole West bank. The 

Jewish settlers in the Palestinian State should then be able to remain provided they pay rent for the land they are using. The payment of rent would serve three purposes. First, paying rent acknowledges that the land is part of the State of Palestine. Second, the rent provides funds that Palestine needs. Third, the rent creates a price for the Israelis holding that land; they will be less eager to hold land if they have to compensate Palestine by paying rent every year they possess it. While many Palestinians would prefer that the Israelis evacuate the West Bank and Gaza settlements, at least if the Israelis pay rent, there will be some justice,since the Palestinians will be continually compensated for not being able to use that land. 

Because Israel and Palestine are mutually dependent and need to use resources such as water jointly, a peace plan will work much better if there is a confederation between Israel and Palestine. For want of a better name, I will call it the Confederation of the Levant, from the french term for the Middle East. 

Arabs who are in Israel would be free to choose to be citizens of Israel, Palestine, or the Confederation. Jewish settlers in the State of Palestine would also be free to choose their citizenship; most would choose to remain citizens of Israel. The problem demographics would be solved by separating citizenship from territory. Palestinian exiles would be free to return to their old locations in Israel, but they would have to be citizens either of Palestine or the Confederation. Israeli Jews would thus be assured that Israel would continue to have a Jewish citizen and voting majority. The ability to be a citizen of the Confederation rather than of Israel and Palestine would provide an alternative if people were unh ppy under either state. The choice of citizenship would also create an incentive for the Israeli and Palestinian governments to avoid being too oppressive. 

The Confederation government would have a parliament. Some of the members would be elected directly by its citizens, while others would be elected by 

the legislatures of Israel and Palestine. The Confederation would have courts to resolve disputes between Israelis and Palestinians, and also control the corridor between Gaza and the West Bank. The Confederation would best be financed from taxes on the land value in Israel and Palestine. There would be no tariffs or other trade barriers between Israel and Palestine. Internationally, the Confederation of the Levant would operate much like the European Union does now. The Palestinian state would not have an army, and gradually, as trust develops, some security and defense services would be shifted from Israel to the Confederation. 

One of the problems of setting up a Palestinian State is that some religious Jews regard all of British-mandate Palestine as having been given by God to Israel. The answer to this is threefold. First, Jews could continue to be live as citizens of Israel in the territory of the Palestinian state, just as Arabs in Israel could be citizens of Palestine. Second, the agreement could have a religious clause stating that title to the Holy Land belongs ultimately to God, and from God to Jews, Christians, and Muslims jointly, with the confederation as trustee. Because some Jews in Israel converted to Islam and Christianity and are now “Palestinians,” their inheritance rights would also be acknowledged. Third, the payment of rent would not imply lost sovereignty, but would be technically a compensation for the loss of other’s traditional and historic occupancy.  

What has been missing in the peace plans and road maps for the Middle East is the concept of paying rent for occupied land. Rent is essential to justice. Rent allows continued residency, but with compensation for exclusion. The tension between the need for a unified state while also wanting separate homelands is solved with confederation. The freedom to choose citizenship, and with the third option of citizenship with the Confederation, creates a competition for citizens and mitigates potential oppression. The taxing of land value by the Confederation turns land to some extent into common property, further reducing the conflict. 

Extremists of both sides will reject any solution that accommodates both sides, but the evidence is that the majority of both sides have sufficient good will to accept a solution that provides justice and leaves both with what is most essential. Israelis want security, and Palestinians want land and an end to the Israeli governmental occupation. Symbols are as important as substance, and the jurisdiction over the West Bank and Gaza, with rental compensation, should provide Palestinians with sufficient justice, so that the violent elements will lose popular support. Then the Israelis can withdraw their troops and take down their security wall, since they will have the true security and peace that can only come from justice.  

Once we recognize and accept that the key to peace is paying rent for land, peace will follow.  

Fred Foldvary teaches economics at Santa Clara University.

“If somebody was to ask me how I came to be here, I swear b’fore God that I wouldn’t know what to say to ‘em. My whole life, I always wanted to be able to hear stories ‘bout how I came into the world a wanted and special child. But the folks I lived with told stories, ‘bout my mama that wasn’t meant for children’s ears. Truth be told, seemed like nobody could even dig up a idea of how I got inside my mama, let alone what happened afterwards. Since no one was gonna tell me what I wanted to hear, I let myself believe that God had gave me a mouth and mind of my own to do what I seen fit…” 

Thus begins Berkeley writer and resident Regina Louise’s stunning memoir Somebody’s Someone, the story of her harrowing passage from Texas to California through the foster care system. Lucky for us, and for the thousands of foster children she represents, Regina does say what’s on her mind, in a writing and speaking voice that is genuine, colorful, and inspiring.  

At first glance I thought that Regina’s book might be the black female version of David Pelzer’s lurid A Child Named “It.” But thankfully, it’s not anything like the over-the-top sensationalized Pelzer’s series. Although sometimes shocking, Regina’s prose is full of pure, raw lyricism. Foster child Lula Mae is “…more ornery than a tick full of turpentine.” Another foster child, Donna Janine “…could steal you blind faster than you could smell a roadrunner’s fart.” Aunt Carlene got her name because “…her forehead was so big you could lean a car into it…” And half-brother Dennis “…kept a secret like a baby who ate Ex-Lax kept her bowels.” 

When Regina describes, in her child voice, her frustrations at not being wanted, it is gut wrenching. “Miss Matthews said that my well-being was b’tween my daddy and mama; they was the ones that I belonged to. But I knowed better; what was b’tween them was what got me into this mess in the first place… What would make somebody want to throw out they own flesh and blood and not even think two times ‘bout it? Why do folks go round having babies they don’t even have a mind to keep in the first place? What did I do to make this be?” 

I caught up with Regina at Keter, her wildly successful hair salon on Berkeley’s fashionable Fourth Street. As we walked over to O’ Chame for lunch, Regina explained that keter is the Hebrew word describing where the soul enters and leaves the top of the head. It’s a wonderfully metaphoric name for a place of business that is full of energy emanating from its spirited, remarkable owner.  

Over heirloom tomato salad and sea scallops on a bed of radicchio, Regina told me about her extraordinary journey from foster care, to motherhood, entrepreneurship and writing. “What I really want to do,” she said sipping her special—ordered Honeybush tea, “is to talk to people about foster care and make changes. There are over 632,000 kids in the system at any given time and each year 20,000 18-year olds get turned out without a parachute. There’s a 52 percent failure rate. These kids end up back in the system, incarcerated, on welfare, or doin’ drugs out on the street. I know, because I’ve been there.”  

Regina doesn’t just talk the talk. She’s got speaking engagements lined up all over the country, at Big Brother and Big Sister conferences, the National Foster Parent Association convention, the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) organization, and the Celebrity Philanthropic Initiative which includes the Magic Johnson Foundation, the Bruce Willis Foundation, the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan and many others.  

But raising a son, running a business and giving speeches are only part of her big plan. “I’ve got to get moving, girl,” she said to me. “I’ve got a two-book contract and the next one is due soon.” 

“What’s the second book about?” I asked. 

“It’s about finding my momma after 24 years. Not my real momma, but the woman who wanted to adopt me when I was fourteen. She wasn’t able to because she was white and single and back then the authorities didn’t want black children going to anyone who was single or white.” 

“Where is she?” I asked. 

“Alabama,” shouted Regina, “and she wants to adopt me now! Can you believe that? Forty years old and I’ve finally got my momma!” 

“Congratulations,” I said. We beamed at one another. There wasn’t much left to say. Regina has found what she’s been searching for since she was a small child. 

“What should I do about my hair?” I asked. 

Regina didn’t miss a beat. “Cut it all off, honey. You need to start over.”  

Like she says, Regina Louise doesn’t have any trouble speaking her mind. 

Regina Louise has founded The Esther Collins Memorial Children’s Foundation for Literacy. For more information about this program or to learn the locations and dates of her next speaking engagements contact Regina through her website at www.reginalouise.com. 

Somebody’s Someone, A Memoir, by Regina Louise, Warner Books, 367 pages, $23.95.

Following a unanimous rejection by Zoning Adjustment Board commissioners Thursday, the developer of the controversial Library Gardens project says he’s been hammering out a compromise to add public parking spaces to the largest apartment complex ever planned for the city center. 

If approved by the project’s diverse foes, the pact could jump-start the stalled development, according to TransAction Companies Senior Vice President John DeClerq. 

“We’re very close to a deal,” said the developer, who has been negotiating for the past month with the Berkeley-Albany YMCA to jointly build a level of underground parking for use by Y members and the public. 

DeClerq hopes a deal can sway skeptical ZAB commissioners who Thursday—more than two years after giving him a unanimous thumbs up—denied the use permit, pending further analysis, for a plan that threatens to erase one out of every four downtown parking spaces. 

“It feels like we’ve had the effects of a bait and switch,” ZAB commissioner David Blake told a packed house of downtown merchants sharply divided over the project. “This is like someone got a permit to build Manhattan, came back and said sorry we’re not going to do Central Park. It’s not the same project.” 

Library Gardens would replace the 362-space Kittredge Garage with a five-story, 176-unit apartment complex that would house roughly 280 residents and five new retail shops just west of the library. 

The original proposal, approved by the ZAB in October, 2001, would have replaced all of the parking spaces with two levels of underground public parking, but higher than anticipated construction costs forced TransAction to scrap plans for the subterranean lot. 

Instead, TransAction resubmitted the development with just 116 ground-level spaces, all but 11 dedicated to future tenants. That move infuriated many downtown merchants, who feared that an ensuing parking crunch would drive away customers. 

City planners backed the proposal, asserting that it conformed to city guidelines and that, over time, commuters and parking providers would make adjustments to bring the parking supply back to equilibrium. 

ZAB commissioners, however, were unmoved, unanimously voting to postpone any decision until a Feb. 26 meeting, when planners were to offer possible mitigations to increase parking at the development. 

DeClerq hoped a deal to add 124 underground spaces—mostly for Y patrons—could be wrapped up within two weeks. That agreement would effectively end opposition from downtown merchants and could potentially get the development back onto the ZAB calendar and approved before Feb. 26, allowing TransAction to proceed with construction in April, avoiding costly delays. 

The Y had been the garage’s biggest tenant, comprising 43 percent of all customers, until TransAction booted them in November to prepare for construction. 

Negotiations appeared stalled through early last week, with DeClerq proposing the Y contribute $1 million towards the cost of the garage plus a $5,000 monthly rent, and the Y offering to make a one-time $500,000 payment. 

But DeClerq, refusing to divulge details, said both sides have since budged from their original offers and that an agreement was nearly reached before the Thursday ZAB meeting. 

Construction estimates vary for the lot. City officials put the price tag at just over $6.8 million, while DeClerq insists the final cost would be closer to $10.6 million. 

Berkeley-Albany YMCA President Larry Bush refused comment on the negotiations, but expressed optimism, saying, “We’ll work through this and we’ll be alright.”  

The conciliatory talk coming from both camps this weekend contrasted sharply from the combative two-hour hearing that divided downtown businesses at times pitting co-worker against co-worker. 

Speaking as incoming president of the board of directors of the Downtown Berkeley Association, Mechanics Bank Branch Manager Raudel Wilson told ZAB Commissioners the project would harm businesses by keeping shoppers from driving downtown. 

Just minutes earlier, his boss at Mechanics Bank, outgoing DBA Board President Rauly Butler argued for the development on grounds that TransAction shouldn’t be held responsible for the city’s parking issues. 

After Public Library Trustee Jorge Garcia gave tacit approval for the project, noting DeClerq had promised the library 10-15 parking spaces for disabled patrons, Reference Librarian Jane Scantlebury delivered the most extensive case against the project, linking the 57-year-old lot built by the owners of the Hinks Department store to the local businesses along Shattuck. 

When TransAction acquired both the garage and the Shattuck storefronts that housed the former department store in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Scantlebury said their financing arrangement included an easement on the lot for the businesses to ensure their profitability. 

Over time, she added, TransAction sold off the Shattuck buildings and severed their legal ties to the garage, before unveiling its development plan. 

“This is a case of a corporation once again dropping the responsibility onto the tax payer,” she said in an interview after the meeting. 

DeClerq said TransAction had designs on developing the lot long before it sold the neighboring real estate and that the deals were unrelated, yet Scantlebury’s argument seemed to carry the day. 

In explaining his vote, ZAB Chair Laurie Capitelli said that while he “was loath to the idea of imposing a public need on a property owner”…TransAction had an additional obligation because of the “historical link” between downtown businesses and the garage. 

Capitelli also pressed Assistant City Manager for Transportation Peter Hillier about other ramifications from the lossed Kittredge garage. Hillier declined to speculate on whether shoppers would choose Emeryville or El Cerrito, claiming there were too many variables to consider, but said that the 420-space Center Street garage regularly had over 100 available spaces during peak parking times. 

But the Center Street facility is seismically unsafe, and will likely be torn down and rebuilt in the next several years. A new garage could have as many as 800 spaces—enough to fill the gap left by Library Gardens—but Hillier said cost factors would likely result in fewer spaces.

Two weeks ago, national representatives of Eddie Bauer stores announced the closure of its retail outlet at Shattuck Avenue and Allston Way in downtown Berkeley, seven years after Berkeley preservationists fought a pitched and ultimately unsuccessful battle to prevent the city from allowing the demolition of the 1890’s-era Edy’s Ice Creamery building where the Bauer store now stands. 

Excerpts from selected city documents written at that time show how fiercely that battle raged, and how prophetic the preservationists were about the 

likely outcome. 

• “The main building on Shattuck Avenue will have a new storefront at the ground level, however the second story facade will remain the same. ... There will be some additional square footage to this building, however, not enough to trigger any use permit requirement.” 

—Architect Mary Li Wong to Deputy City Attorney Zack Cowan, Jan. 8, 1997. 

• “My office has reviewed the scope of your building remodel project at 2201-17 Shattuck Avenue [also known as the Hulbert Block or the Edy’s Building]...to determine if there are any zoning issues which trigger a Use Permit or Variance per the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The project as proposed does not necessitate a Use Permit or Variance, and therefore does not require review by the Zoning Adjustments Board in a public hearing. The information you have provided concludes that less than 50% of the exterior walls of the Shattuck Building and less than 50% of the exterior walls of the Allston Building will be removed, therefore, the project is not considered a ‘demolition’ ... and no Use Permit is necessary.”  

—Dan Marks, Current Planning Manager, to Marcy Wong Architects, Feb. 21, 1997. 

• “The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association herewith is appealing the decision of the Design Review Board made on March 17, 1997, regarding approval of plans to redesign the facade of 2201-2217 Shattuck Avenue... The proposed plan...appears to fail to meet the fundamental facade criteria as set forth in the ‘Downtown Design Guidelines’: ‘The form, rhythm, and character of Downtown established by its Landmark and significant buildings should be reinforced and enhanced by renovation and new construction.” 

—Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association to Zoning Adjustments Board, March 31, 1997. 

• “It is my opinion that the [Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association’s] appeal, as presented, is without merit.” 

—Downtown Berkeley Association president Larry Bush to Members of the Zoning Adjustments Board, April 9, 1997. 

• “The Hulbert Block is a prominent site in downtown Berkeley. It plays a central role in helping to define the area’s historic fabric. ... The [Landmark Preservation Commission] feels that the current proposal for the site ignores the structure’s true historical fabric. ... Alternative design proposals incorporating the Hulbert Block’s historic elements should be solicited. ... Under the Zoning Ordinance..., any proposed demolition of a building over 40 years of age shall be forwarded to the LPC for review. The LPC believes that the proposed project (including the removal of the roof structure which is intrinsic to the building’s history) may constitute a demolition...and require that a permit application be filed...” 

—LPC Chairman Robert Kehlmann to the Zoning Adjustments Board, April 9, 1997. 

• “[I]t has come to my attention that BAHA holds several mistaken beliefs about my building at 2201 Shattuck Avenue which I have owned for many years. ... These include the belief that the two existing ‘keyhole’ storefronts are worthy of preservation. ... The two keyhole storefronts that BAHA wishes to preserve, are not only without historic significance, they lack a historic fabric to justify their presence... I am also aware that BAHA believes that the roof currently on the building is historically significant. In fact, the extensive renovation in 1941 resulted in the complete removal of not only the exterior wall components and finishes, but also of the roof tiles and significant portions of the roof framing itself.” 

—Weston Havens to Mayor Shirley Dean, April 16, 1997 

• “When people in Berkeley heard that Eddie Bauer was leasing the [Hulbert Block] building, they were very optimistic. Many of us are customers of your elegant Home Store at Union Square in San Francisco, and fans of the sensitive restoration you did there. ... Imagine, then, my horror at discovering that the building owner had potentially engaged the architect best known in Berkeley for Walgreen’s and BlockBuster Video. ... [Their renovation plan for the Hulbert Block Building] was more like taking a good solid Eddie Bauer shirt, cutting off the collar and the sleeves, and saying that you’d made a ball gown. It just doesn’t work. ... My suggestion to you is that you ask the architect of your San Francisco store to give you a second opinion on what can be done with the very nice building you’ve leased.” 

—Elisabeth Peters O’Malley to Jeff Roberts, Real Estate Department, Eddie Bauer, Inc., April 18. 1997. 

• “I’ve been nursing this project along and I think it would be a major shot in the arm for the downtown. Any delay could jeopardize the project.” 

—Mayor Shirley Dean, quoted in the Berkeley Voice, July 3, 1997, shortly before the Zoning Adjustments Board’s hearing on the appeal to rescind approval of the Hulbert Block Building’s renovation plan. 

• “Guess what! I noticed the other day that I could see through the old Edy’s building which, last I heard, was simply being gussied up on the outside..., getting a new roof and some interior remodeling. As I recall, the owner insisted that nothing more than Design Review was required because they were not changing permitted interior uses, etc., and did not want to have to get a demolition permit. I had foolishly assumed that this meant they were not going to do a demolition. Now, granted, three walls seem to still be standing (barely), but other than piles of rubble, it doesn’t look like there is any interior inside them. Have there been some unanticipated collapses of floors, or did we issue permits for this work? Or, is it, um, unpermitted?” 

—Memo from Deputy City Attorney Zack Cowan to unidentifiable recipients. 

• “When the project at 2201-2217 was brought before the LPC for review last February the commission was presented with a ‘storefront remodel.’ Inspection of the site now reveals demolition of the original historic structure has taken place. I request that the City halt work on the property and refer the project back to the LPC for review.” 

—Landmarks Preservation Commission Chairman Robert Kehlmann to Planning Manager Steve Solomon, Dec. 3, 1997. 

• “Oops. Have architects for the new Eddie Bauer store on Shattuck Avenue torn down one old wall too many? That’s the consensus of some citizens and preservationists who are shocked by the gaping hole that used to house Edy’s Grand Ice Cream and Restaurant.” 

—From the Dec. 11, 1997 Oakland Tribune. 

• “On January 5, 1998, the Berkeley Landmarks Commission appointed commissioners Burton Edwards and myself to review the demolition calculations of 2201-2217 Shattuck Avenue [to] determine [if] a demolition has occurred. We hereby conclude that a demolition has occurred. We request that a stop work order be issued...” 

—Berkeley Landmarks Commission member Timothy Hansen to Acting Current Planning Manager Bob Brown, Jan. 8, 1998. 

• “I believe the percentage of exterior wall area removed exceeds 50%... I will bring the issue of continued construction to the attention of Gil Kelley, Director of Planning and Development, which may result in a Stop Work notice from the City until the question of demolition has been finally resolved.” 

—Current Planning Manager Robert M. Brown to Architect Marcy Li Wong, Jan. 15, 1998. 

• “We worked really hard to bring the Eddie Bauer retail outlet here, and we’re going to work hard to keep them here.” 

—Mayor Shirley Dean, quoted in Chip Johnson’s column in the San Francisco Chronicle, Jan. 17, 1998. 

• “I have reviewed your latest revisions to demolition calculations dated January 20, 1998, and concur with your result that 49.77% of the original exterior wall area has been removed. ... In total, these revisions reduce the proportion of removed exterior wall area once again to below 50%, thereby not constituting demolition of the building.” 

—Current Planning Manager Robert M. Brown to Architect Marcy Li Wong, Jan. 20, 1998. 

• “I am writing to request concern over the procedures being followed by City of Berkeley regarding demolition of the buildings at 2201-2217 Shattuck. ... I request that the City not grant the applicant special favors, that a stop work order be issued, and that the applicant be required to obtain the proper demolition permit, use permit, and other permits required by law.” 

—Landmarks Commissioner Timothy Hansen, writing as an individual and not in his capacity as Commissioner, to Acting Current Planning Manager Bob Brown, Jan. 20, 1998. 

• “[T]he historic Edy’s building...has been demolished to make way for a structure which is more appropriate to a suburban mall than to our historic downtown. ... Tenants in buildings come and go. Developers and architects move on to other projects. Current Planning Managers seem to appear and disappear rather quickly in Berkeley. If you, Mr. Brown, in your powerful role as Planning Manager, allow Berkeley’s historic past to be dismantled without proper control and review, you are forsaking our City’s historic past. Once this is lost, it will be lost forever.” 

—Landmarks Preservation Commission Robert Kehlmann to Current Planning Manager Robert M. Brown, Feb. 9, 1998. 

• “In your letter [of February 17, 1998], you asserted that the City’s acceptance of the applicant’s method of calculation...prevents the City from redefining the means of computing wall retention/removal at this time. This begs the question: shouldn’t compliance with City and State laws take priority over private arrangements that City staff make with individual applicants? BAHA has reviewed notes from a meeting held on 17 December 1996 between City officials and project architect Marcy Wong. These notes confirm that the City assisted the developer in misrepresenting the extent of the project and circumventing public review where one was warranted: ‘If it’s initiated, & LPC says it’s a significant impact under CEQA, LPC can suspend a demolition permit. Therefore—don’t apply for a demolition.’” 

—Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association President Monica Rohrer to City Manager James Keene. 

• “It was with sadness that we viewed the new east wall of what used to be 2108 Allston Way, now the new Eddie Bauer building. ... A little over a year ago, when the bulldozers rolled through the old Edy’s building, we knew that the City’s building laws had been violated. ... A few months ago, the LPC issued a new report on the demolition. It noted that more than 70% f the Allston Way building had been demolished, not the 35% claimed by the applicant and seconded by the Planning & Development Department. ... The battle over Edy’s ... was about the corruption of the Downtown Plan, the Downtown Development Guidelines, and the City’s zoning ordinance. If Edy’s can be demolished without the proper permits, no Berkeley building can be considered safe from destruction.” 

—Berkeley Heritage Association Chairman Carl Wikander to Mayor Shirley Dean and Berkeley City Councilmembers, Sept. 22, 1998.

A light agenda awaits Berkeley City Council schedule for their first meeting of the new year at 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday, Jan. 13)—its first meeting in a month—proving either that the city is exhausted from wrestling with budget deficits throughout the fall, or that it is merely taking a breath before gearing up for the new money battles this winter and spring. 

Or some combination of the two. 

The most contentious item on calendar is likely to be neighbors’ complaints over the Zoning Adjustment Board's approval of a 645-square-foot addition to a Prince Street house. 

Council’s 5 p.m. working session will give Council the (almost certainly) bad news update from staff of the current state and federal fiscal situation and its impact on Berkeley's city budget.

Apparently, the apartment downstairs and one over from mine was broken into last week. One of our neighborhood methamphetamine enthusiasts forced his way through the bathroom window and started rifling through some drawers while the tenant and her boyfriend were, ahem, busy in the back bedroom. 

My wife and I were out of the apartment at the time, but my mother-in-law, in town on a visit from Canada, was home when the squad cars arrived. I have a feeling that she loved every minute of the drama, especially when it was her turn to be interviewed by the boys in blue. Things like this just reaffirm her faith in the frozen tundra of her home, a land where everyone is kind and there is no crime. For her, coming to Berkeley is like visiting the slums of Sao Paolo. Warm weather and the wretched of the earth: Who could imagine a better vacation? 

Naturally, when I heard about the break-in, my first concern was about my plunger. I’d loaned it to the nice people in Apartment D a few weeks ago, and since they hadn’t returned it yet, I worried that it might have been a casualty of theft. Fortunately, meth addicts often don’t think straight and my bejeweled heirloom toilet tool emerged unscathed. 

I’ve been living in this same apartment for almost five years now and my wife has been here for 10. Due to the near-mythic wonderfulness of Berkeley rent-control laws we’ve been holding out in this student pad for as long as we can, figuring that if we can just endure it for a few more decades, then maybe the baby can live here if she gets into Cal. Sure the roof leaks and the windows don’t exactly fit their casements and the places where we’ve spilled red wine on the carpet are indistinguishable from the places where we haven’t, but have you seen the payments I’m making? My poor bastard landlord can only raise the rent five bucks a year, and some years not at all. I don’t feel too sorry for him though; he told me that he bought up Berkeley buildings for a song back in the ‘60s when prices were low on the fear that the city would abolish private property and collectivize all real estate. 

Because we’ve been here so long, we’ve become like den mothers to the other residents, many of whom are scared sophomore kids living on their own for the first time. I loan out my vacuum cleaner and my blender, give recommendations for dentists and auto repair shops. I leave clucking notes when people lock their bikes in the middle of the communal stairways and discard armloads of castoff free AOL disks from the mail slot. Last week the computer science major from across the courtyard sidled up to me in the Safeway with a bottle of tomato juice in one hand, cranberry in the other, and asked me which one went better with vodka. Ah, the wisdom of the ages. 

One of the quirks of apartment living is that the neighbors in their fancy detached houses don’t take me seriously as a resident. They look up at my Hollywood Squares style building and figure I’m not enough of a lifer to be embraced by the neighborhood clique. What they don’t know is that my second story picture window gives me the ultimate vantage point on their world, and whether they want it or not, I am most definitely included. I see the pall of smoke lingering in the air long after the local Green Party bigwig has driven off in his lemon. I’ve watched the sullen teen across the street buy a weightlifting set and then a motorcycle, much to the consternation of his little parents. 

I don’t know a single name, but I’ve done so much watching over the years that I’ve constructed entire life stories for all of these people. I am completely invested, for example, in the unlikely interracial teen romance going on next door. I didn’t see the suitor for a few months and I started to despair…but wait! He’s back again now, playing football in the street with the girl’s brother and all seems right in the world. I still worry about Unnecessary Bike Helmet Man and British Cigarette Woman. They both seem lonely and sad and I wish they’d have an affair, if only to spice up my life a little. Winter is kind of a quiet time around here—Suntan Dude packs up his chaise lounge and his aluminum reflectors and Very Aggressive Yard-Sale Guy spends the cold months collecting crap which he will foist on passersby come spring. 

The angle of the sun and the filthiness of my windows mean that I can see out but nobody can see in. I don’t watch these folks out of voyeurism or snoopiness, but because they’re right there in front of me and I can’t help it. They may not know it, but these people are my community, even if they do look at me like I’m crazy when I wave at them like old friends as we pass on the street.

There are few harvesting thrills for the home vegetable gardener to equal the digging of new potatoes. Disinterring a bed of Jerusalem artichokes is one of them. 

These creamy, crisp globes mature to greater than golf ball size if planted in friable soil, bearing little resemblance to the brownish packaged marbles occasionally seen in local markets at exorbitant prices. 

Jerusalem artichokes do not market well because, like the farmers who grow them, they prefer to stay at home, traveling locally and quietly multiplying. Once harvested, they must be refrigerated promptly or they will become soft and inedible. However, scrubbed free of dirt and bagged in plastic, they will keep crisp for months at 40 degrees. 

These tubers will grow in any kind of soil and accept any amount of neglect, for which reason they are considered a famine crop. Planted in February in a corner of the garden—ideally backed by a sunny fence and surrounded by well-trodden paths to confine (lest they take over your garden)—they will produce clusters of rough dark green leaves in March, shooting up to six feet or more by August and ultimately, if the days be sunny enough, be topped with the bright gold flowers that reveal them as members of the sunflower family, Compositae. 

Cut the blossoms for a vase—as Monet did for a famous still life—so that the energy is directed to the tubers. In late fall when the stalks are brown and dry, the tubers can be dug and harvested as needed, offering a pleasant change from the ubiquitous holiday fare. 

By February, little roots appear on the tuber and the cycle of life starts anew. 

Like potatoes, they must be kept covered, so an occasional mulch and in very hot weather, a weekly light watering is all the care they need. And even if one thinks one has dug out the entire bed, it will soon show a profusion of new leaves and be productive for years. 

Jerusalem artichokes contain inulin, a sugar said to be safe for diabetics. To prepare, cut off the stem and scrape off the thin skin under cold water. They can be sliced raw to add crunch to salads, or added to stews. They make a fine cream soup and are likely to show up on the menu of top restaurants as a puree. An example of their deliciousness and versatility is given in the recipe below. Their delicate, nutty flavor is exchanged with that of the tomato, enhancing both and adding body to the sauce.

Berkeley—which really did not need any more bad news on the budget front this fiscal year—got it anyway with the surprise, sudden, and stunning announcement this week that the almost universally respected Paul Navazio was resigning as Budget Manager at the end of January to become the Finance Director for the city of Davis. 

City Manager Phil Kamlarz said Tracy Vesley, a Senior Management Analyst for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, will serve as interim manager until a replacement is picked. 

Navazio said his decision to leave Berkeley city government after six years had nothing to do with dissatisfaction with the job. “If it wasn’t for a family decision to move to Davis, I wouldn’t necessarily be jumping at [the Davis] position,” he said. 

“It just so happened that this job became available at the same time my wife and I were looking at possibly moving to Davis perhaps in two or three years or so. The Davis job just looked like it’s a good fit, at a good time. At least, a good time for me and my family.” 

Navazio’s departure comes at a particularly precarious time in the fiscal life of Berkeley, which is caught in an escalating budget crisis as it faces a projected $8 million to $10 million shortfall for the next fiscal year. 

On Jan. 27, Navazio’s next-to-the-last day on his Berkeley job, he and Kamlarz are scheduled to present City Council with detailed proposals for budget cuts and fiscal recovery.  

Navazio typically has done both the complicated budget predictions and number-crunching as well as explained the numbers to Councilmembers, city employees, labor representatives, and the public. 

“Paul has a tremendous amount of credibility within the organization, and within the community as well,” said Kamlarz, who recruited Navazio to Berkeley in 1998 from Navazio’s position as Oakland Budget Director. “He’s both a straight shooter, and very patient with people.” 

Asked his first reaction to Navazio’s announcement, Kamlarz said something which he then admitted was “probably unprintable,” then added that he wished he hadn’t come in to the office to catch up on some e-mails and paperwork during the holiday break. 

“I asked Paul what was going on and he gave me a report, and then he added, ‘Oh, by the way...’ It’s not something I wanted to hear. This is a big personal loss to me, not just professionally or just within the organization. I’ve grown to respect his work and [appreciate] my real close relationship with him.” 

Navazio’s move will mean a slight bump in salary for him, up to almost $111,000 a year from his present $108,000, and will put him in a higher tier of city positions. More important, he says, is that it will allow his family to move into a one-story, multi-bedroom home for the benefit of his disabled, six-year-old daughter, one of a set of triplets (the Navazio’s also have a 10-year-old son). “My daughter’s in a wheelchair,” Navazio explained. 

“We have a beautiful house in the hills in Kensington, but it’s two stories, and where do we get a four or five bedroom house on one story where folks could ride bikes or power wheelchairs around town and schools? But the real key is that Davis has a full-inclusion special ed program, so that my daughter, who requires special ed, will be able to be in the same classroom as her sisters. In West Contra Costa School District, where they attend now, she has to be in different schools than her sisters.” 

Another factor in favor of the Davis move was that his wife, an employment law attorney, will be able to rejoin her old law firm, which relocated there. 

“It was all pretty coincidental,” Navazio said. “I was contacted by city officials in Davis, who told me that their Finance Director would be coming vacant (Nov. 14), and asked me if I knew the names of any persons I might forward to them so that they could have a good crop of applicants. And I said, ‘Hey, it just so happens that I’ve been talking about Davis.’ So I spoke with them, and things happened real quickly, quicker than I bargained for.” 

Melissa Chaney, Davis Human Resources Director, was clearly ecstatic for what seemed to be a steal for a city with one-third the budget of Berkeley. “We’re very excited to get him,” Chaney said. “We spent quite a while talking to him during the interview process, and we just knew that he’d be a perfect fit here.” 

Asked what won the job for Navazio over 14 other applicants, Chaney said it was “many things, but two in particular. We wanted somebody could come in and lead the department that had an understanding of what the real function of a finance department was and could offer some in depth budget and financial planning forecasting. [Paul] had those two main qualities.” 

Other city officials reacted to the announcement with a mixture of good wishes for Navazio and expressions of sadness for Berkeley’s loss. 

“It’s going to be a big hole to fill,” said Mayor Tom Bates. “He’s really an outstanding finance director. I guess we all should have been nervous, I suppose, having somebody who loves the Grateful Dead handling all of our money. But as everybody knows, Paul was excellent at his job. He’s definitely going to be missed. But Paul’s a nice guy, and he deserves this break. I wish him the best. ” 

That sentiment was echoed by Bates’ aide, Cisco De Vries. “I don’t think there’s any question that it’s a substantial loss from the budget team,” De Vries said. “Luckily we’ve got a lot of talented people over there [in the city finance department], but Paul was a go-to guy. We’ll figure it out, but it’s certainly bad news. It’s a bummer.” 

City Councilmembers agreed. “There’s a lot of city employees we could function without, but [Navazio’s] not one of them,” Councilmember Betty Olds said. “He’s been an outstanding person. I just really feel bad about it, but it’s from a selfish standpoint. It’s a step up for him.” 

And from Councilmember Linda Maio: “The thing about Paul is his demeanor. He is Mr. Patient. Mr. Good Humor. Mr. Stay Til It Gets Done No Matter How Long. He’s a low-key guy, so you don’t get any rah-rah stuff. But you just feel good about working with somebody like that. I’m sorry that he’s going, and I hope he comes back someday. I really saw him on the ladder for executive level position with the city, someone who would fill [Acting City Manager Phil Kamlarz’] shoes whenever Phil left. I thought it was a wise choice Phil made to hire Paul, and to give him so much responsibility. We’re losing a very talented guy.” 

Navazio’s interim replacement, Tracy Vesley, is scheduled to transfer to the city manager’s office from Parks, Recreation and Waterfront on Jan. 12 to train under Navazio for the last two weeks of his tenure. Vesley has worked for five years in her Senior Management Analyst position. She previously worked as a program manager for the State Judiciary, and as senior budget analyst in the Kern County Administrative office.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9 

Celebrate the Dream commemorating the 75th Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with Martin Luther King, III, son of the legendary civil rights leader, Allen Temple Men’s Choir, the Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church’s mass choir, and Dorothy Morrison signing “Oh Happy Day,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Frank Ogawa Plaza in front of Oakland City Hall. www.oaklandnet.com/celebrations 

Shorinji Kempo Martial Arts Demonstration at 8 p.m. at Emeryville Taiko Dojo, 1601-A 63rd. St., Emeryville. 815-0607. www.emeryvilleshorinji.org 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Peter Dumont, co-founder, Star Alliance, on “Comprehensive Approach to Peace.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $11.50 - $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

Literary Friends meets at the North Berkeley Senior Center at 1:15 p.m. to discuss Vermeer’s art and times, and review “Girl in Hyacinth Blue” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” 232-1351. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com, 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. For information call Katherine, 525-5231. 

Berkeley Critical Mass Bike Ride meets at the Berkeley BART the second Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Players at all levels are welcome. 652-5324. 

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Shelter Operations for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Department Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes or by calling 981-5506. 

“T’ween and Teen Adolescent Girls: Where Do They They Fit In?” Workshop sponsored by Bay Area Children First, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 7. Fee is $25. For information call 883-9312. 

Cerrito Creek Work Party Help remove blackberries and plant trees on Cerrito Creek north of Albany Hill. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Pacific East Mall, 3288 Pierce St., El Cerrito. For more information, email f5creeks@aol.com 

Broom or Brush? Help us remove invasive species to encourage native plants to flourish. Learn to identify common plants in our study area. Parents of Garden Club kids particularly invited to participate. Call to reserve tools and gloves. From 2 to 4 p.m. in Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. For information call 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org  

Kids Garden Club: Plant Protection It’s getting cold out there and the plants need our help. We'll learn about plant defenses, and revitalize our scarecrow. Registration required. From 2 to 4 p.m. in Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $3. For information call 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Winter Pruning and Maintenance A class on the critical January tasks of tree and shrub pruning. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Overeaters Anonymous will host a Newcomers Information Day from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. For more information call 923-9491. 

Shamanic Journeying Meditation using earth’s power centers, plant and mineral energies, Native American medicines, and concepts and principles from different meditation traditions around the globe, at 9 a.m. Free. For information and directions call 525-1272. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is taught by Rosie Linsky, who at age 72, has practiced yoga for over 40 years. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. For further information and to register, call Karen Ray at 848-7800. 

Pet Adoptions, sponsored by Home at Last, from noon to 5 p.m., Hearst and 4th St. 548-9223. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, JAN. 11 

Instant Run-Off Voting Instant Runoff Voting will be on the March 2004 primary election ballot in Berkeley. Come and learn more about what IRV is and the history of the struggle to modernize our elections. From 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland. 841-8678.  

Tibetan Buddhism, Bob Byrne on “The Final Words of Longchenpa” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JAN. 12 

“Neighborhood Issues? Don’t Get Mad, Get Help!” with Taj Johns, Neighborhood Liason, City of Berkeley at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Gray Panthers, 1403 Addison St. 548-9696. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

Women’s Cancer Resource Center, volunteer training, every second Monday of the month, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 5741 Telegraph Ave. To sign up call Emily at 601-4040, ext. 109. emily@wcrc.org 

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 

Death Penalty Vigil, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley BART station. Sponsored by Berkeley Friends Meeting. 528-7784. 

East Bay Improv Comedy classes begin at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. For information call 964-0571. 

Writers’ Workshop Jack Foley, author, poet, and KPFA radio host will discuss oral presentation of your written work, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-3635. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Blood pressure checks at 10:30 a.m., and lecture on plants with Dr. Robert Raabi, botanist, at 11 a.m. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers We are a few slowpoke seniors who walk between a mile or two each Tuesday, meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Little Farm parking lot. To join us, call 215-7672 for information or check our web page, http://home.comcast.net/~teachme99/tildenwalkers 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 234-4783. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 

Community Forum on Police Canine Unit at 7 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. The Berkeley Police Review Commission is planning a series of Community Meetings to provide information and a forum to discuss the proposed Berkeley Police Department (BPD) canine program. Additional forums will be held Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center and Feb. 11 at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 

“Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow- The Evolution of the Jewish Community” with Ted Feldman, Executive Director, JFCs. Bring your own lunch; coffee and tea provided. From noon to 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5. 848-0237, ext. 112. 

Writers’ Room Coach Training is offered from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for volunteers who would like to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. To attend please call Terry Bloomburgh at 849-4134 or email Bloomburgh@sbcglobal.net 

Fun with Acting class meets at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome. 985-0373. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Sta- 

tion, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Free Marketing Workshops, sponsored by Sisters Headquarters, for women entrepreneurs, every Wed. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 643 17th St. Oakland. For information call 238-1100. 

Prose Writers Workshop We're a serious but lively bunch whose focus is on issues of craft. Novices welcome. Experienced facilitator. Community sponsored, no fee. Meets 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut, at Rose. For information call 524-3034. 

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. For information call 548-0425. 

Community Dances, traditional English and American dances, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, $9. 7 p.m. first Sunday, $10. Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 233-5065. www.bacds.org 

Free Feldenkrais ATM Classes for adults 55 and older at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut at Rose. For information call 848-0237.  

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 

“So How’d You Become an Activist?” with Daniel Ellsberg and Sherry Glasser at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. Suggested donation $5. For more information call 528-5403. 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting at 7:30 p.m. at LeConte School, 2241 Russell. Agenda includes the city budget, traffic circles, and new mixed use developments. For more information call 843-2602. 

East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus, led by Achi ben Shalom, meets on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Audition required. Cost is $120. For more information or to arrange an audition, email shalom@adamamusic.net or call 528-8872. 

Desert Hiking in All Seasons at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Liberation Radio 104.1 FM holds public meetings for all interested people first and third Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the Long Haul Info Shop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 595-0190.  

ONGOING 

Freedom From Tobacco A free quit-smoking class offered by the City of Berkeley Tobacco Prevention Program on six Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 22 to Feb. 26, at the Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. To enroll please call 981-5330 or e-mail at quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us.  You will receive a confirmation of your registration.   

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League offers an exciting opportunity for East Bay girls in grades 1-8 to learn softball, make friends and have fun! Registration starts in January; the season runs March 6 through June 5. For information call 869-4277. www.abgsl.org 

Vista Community College Classes in Computer Software begins Jan. 15. Enrollment is open through Jan. 24. Register on-line at www.peralta.cc.ca.us or at 2020 Milvia St., or call 981-2863. 

Creating Economic Opportunities for Women offers training programs for immigrant and refugee women. Orientations held during January, at 655 International Blvd., 2nd flr. Call 879-2949. 

Acting and Storytelling Classes for Seniors, offered by Stagebridge. Wednesdays and Fridays, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., close to BART and AC Transit. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

Tae-Bo, a cardiovascular workout composed of kick punches and stretches will be offered at Frances Albrier Recreation Center, 2800 Park St., on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. , beginning Jan. 13.  Cost is $20 per month or $4 drop-in. Call 981-6640 for information. 

Free Smoke Detectors for City residents and UC Berkeley students who live off-campus. Applications are available from the Environment, Health & Safety office of UC Berkeley, at any Berkeley Fire Station, or at the Fire Admin. Office located at 2100 MLK, Jr. Way. 981-5585.  

Free Energy Bill Payment Assistance The City of Berkeley has money to help low-income households pay their gas and electric bills. For applications contact the Energy Office at 644-8544. TDD: 981-6903. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy 

CITY MEETINGS 

Landmarks Preservation Commission Special Meeting Fri. Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/landmarks 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Jan. 12, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St., Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Mon. Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/landmarks 

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Jan. 12, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/peaceandjustice 

City Council meets Tues., Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Paul Church, 981-6342. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/disability 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. at 2090 Kittredge. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti, 644-6376 ext. 224. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/waterfront 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs. Jan. 15,  

at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs. Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/housing 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/transportation 

Two-by-Two Meeting of elected City and School officials to dicuss common concerns, Thurs., Jan. 15, at 8:30 a.m., in the Redwood Room, 6th floor, 2180 Milvia St. 644-6147, 981-7000.

City Councilmember Gordon Wozniak’s op-ed piece “Rush to IRV Ballot Raises Troubling Questions” (Daily Planet, Dec. 26-29) is full of factual errors and misleading statements. It also ignores one of the strongest arguments for Instant Runoff Voting: IRV offers voters a stronger voice. Under our current system, many people are afraid to vote for their first choice in candidates when that candidate is not one of the frontrunners. They are afraid their vote will be “thrown away,” or that their alternative candidate will be a “spoiler.” So, voters hold their noses and vote for the lesser of two evils. When that candidate wins, s/he claims “I must implement the platform I ran on.” But, with traditional single vote elections, it is unclear how many voters actually agree with the platform. 

Under IRV, voters can express their desires by voting for their first choice. No fear of throwing away one’s vote. If no candidate receives a majority after the first round of counting, the bottom candidate’s votes are transferred over to the second choice of those voters. In the end, we might end up with the same winner as if the voters held their noses without IRV, but each voter’s voice is heard by all candidates. 

We might also find that a minor candidate ends up winning because, given the opportunity to express their true desires without fear of being a spoiler, a majority of voters vote third party. Neither the Democratic nor Republican Parties support IRV. It weakens both parties’ strength by allowing people to vote for third parties without fear of throwing away their vote. If, for example, 30 percent of the Republicans cast their first preference for a Libertarian, and 30 percent of the Democrats for a Green, that will send a clear message to each party that “their” voters are not satisfied with their candidates and platforms. This strengthens the voters’ voices. 

Mr. Wozniak gives an example that people would have had to rank 130 candidates during the recent governor’s recall election. Under most IRV procedures, this is not true. Anyone who voted for one of the eventual top two candidates (Schwarzenegger and Bustamante) would have had their vote counted no matter what. The public knew who these front runners were, and most voters might have only picked a couple of minor candidates before they would end up ranking one of the major candidates. Most voters know who they truly like, and who they will hold their nose and vote for. With IRV they get to express both. 

The commentary by Wozniak expressed concern about the “complexity” of IRV. We live in a world of “top tens.” From movie reviews to sports to David Letterman, we are surrounded by ranking of preferences. To state that the “complexity” of IRV will make people loose their vote is to accuse the public of ignorance. People know how to rank their preferences. In the case Mr. Wozniak cites of the London election where only 78 percent of the ballots were counted in the second round, perhaps 22 percent of the voters didn’t want to vote for either of the top two candidates. That, just like staying home and not voting, is their right. Every election there are people who do not vote the entire ballot, but instead vote for the races/ initiatives they think are important and skip others. 

Mr. Wozniak tries to scare us with fear of additional cost of an IRV election. But the “Financial Implications” statement prepared by the city attorney predicts a savings of up to $300,000. The wording of the Charter Amendment clearly states that IRV will only be initiated if a) “the voting equipment and procedures are technically ready to handle [IRV],” b) “[IRV] will not preclude the city from consolidating its municipal elections with the county” and c) “[IRV] will not result in additional city election costs.” 

The article states that there are currently no voting machines that can handle IRV. This is not true. The machines Alameda County uses can handle IRV. Yes, software would have to be installed to handle it, but such software has been written and could be certified by the registrar of voters and the secretary of state. There would be no need to purchase new machines. 

Mr. Wozniak is concerned that the Charter Amendment does not set in stone what type of IRV will be used, but leaves that up to City Council to enact. But this is how Charter Amendments, Constitutional Amendments, and other “enabling legislation” is historically worded. City charters set the framework for decision makers to carry out the will of the people. If a Charter Amendment is too explicit, it cannot be changed (without another vote of the people) when unforeseen consequences require a change. With changing voting machines and “working out the bugs” of any new system, it is important to have some flexibility in the system of vote transfers. 

It is clear that this Charter Amendment is designed to be a first step towards Instant Runoff Voting in Berkeley. After it passes, there will likely be a period of time to convince the state and county that election code and voting machines need to include IRV. But IRV gives voters a better chance to express their desires than plurality or majority elections with runoffs, and can save the city money in the process. Berkeley will be proud to join cities like San Francisco that have passed IRV. As more cities pass IRV, the state and county will be forced to adapt election machines and regulations to include IRV.  

Lee Trampleasure Amosslee, is a Green Party county councilor, Berkeley High teacher, and has worked in the polls in Alameda County for 15 years.

When early music scholar and performer Eileen Hadidian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, the longtime East Bay resident used the music she loved most to help herself through difficult times.  

“When I (was scheduled to go) into surgery, I had a very, very cool surgeon,” Hadidian recalled. “I asked him if I could bring music into the operating room. He asked, ‘Do you want to bring a Walkman or do you want me to bring a boombox?’ I said, ‘Bring a boombox and then the whole operating room crew will get the benefit!’  

“I brought in medieval chants. It was the last thing I heard as I was going under and the first thing I heard when I was coming out. And we know from studies that people who are unconscious hear everything that goes on around them.  

“My doctor was so blown away by this (music) that when he came out to talk to my husband he said, ‘Wow, that music was great … and oh, by the way, she’s doing OK.’  

“That was my first encounter with using music in a healing capacity.” 

Two years later, her own cancer in remission, Hadidian provided musical relief for a close friend who was dying from breast cancer. Every Sunday afternoon she would relieve the home hospice workers for two hours and without words, play for her good friend as she lay dying.  

“I watched (my friend) go from a place of agitation and discomfort to a place of calm. Her breathing stabilized. She closed her eyes and went into a very deep rest. After the two hours were over I thought, ‘This is powerful.’ 

“What’s so wonderful about it is that it’s not about the performance. I was just a vessel for the music to come through and it felt so right to be an instrument and not an ego driven musician up on a pedestal. It’s such a different way of playing music.  

“I continued to play for her until she passed away and every time, even after she went into a coma, she would respond the same way,” said Hadidian. 

That experience lead her to create a program that gave the gift of music to other cancer patients. Playing in local hospitals and working with Kaiser’s hospice department, Hadidian continued to perform solo until her own cancer returned in 1997.  

“When I had breast cancer the first time, it was a stage-one cancer,” Hadidian said. “I was in the ninetieth percentile chance of living my life disease-free. When it came back three years later and it had jumped from a stage-one to a stage-four, there was this real questioning of why. What I realized after a number of months of really having descended into the underworld, (was) I had to let go of the illusion of control and trust the universe. I also felt very strongly that having reasons for living, having passions for life were a very big part of the mind-body connection.  

“When the cancer metastasized and I didn’t know whether I was going to live or die, I couldn’t do the hospice work anymore, I needed to reinforce my own life force. So when things turned around and I got better again I began to explore ways that I could bring music to a larger constituency. That’s when I teamed up with Celtic harpist Natalie Cox, who herself is a long-term cancer survivor and was interested in doing this work. We developed a repertoire that we (brought) to Kaiser-Oakland. That was in 2000. In 2002 we became incorporated as a non-profit corporation (Healing Muses).” 

Healing Muses derives a modest income to support its hospital and hospice programs from seasonal concerts at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Albany, through sales of Healing Muses CDs, and small payments from the hospitals.  

Currently they offer weekly performances at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland and UCSF/Mount Zion Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Francisco, with occasional appearances at Alta Bates, Summit Medical Center in the East Bay and Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco. 

The next Healing Muses performances are entitled “Mirth and Good Cheer—Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic Music for Midwinter and the Changing of the Seasons,” features Susan Rode Morris, soprano; Eileen Hadidian, recorder, flutes; Shira Kammen, violin, vielle; Maureen Brennan, Celtic harp; and Julie Jeffrey, viola da gamba. They will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Tickets are $15-$18 and all proceeds benefit the hospital music program. Advance reservations are recommended. St. Alban’s is wheelchair accessible. Call 524-5661for reservations or visit www.healingmuses.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9  

CHILDREN 

Caldicott Stories at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-3635. 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Go Figure,” figurative art by Deann Acton, James Gayles, Jean Graham, Heather Robinson, and Elizabeth Romero. Reception with the artists from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery, 5471 Telegraph Ave. 601-4040, ext. 111. www.wcrc.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Youth Speaks “Flip Fridays” Under 21 open mic hosted by Youth Radio at 7 p.m. at Youth Radio Cafe, 1801 University Ave. erin@youthradio.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley High’s Dance Production at 8 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Allston and MLK. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, available at the door. Come early, shows sell out! 644-6120. 

Slammin, an all-body band, at 8 p.m., at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13 in advance, $15 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Triple Play, jaz trio, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Yennayer Berber New Year Celebration with Les Numides at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Sliding scale donation $10-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

The Vowel Movement, a beatbox showcase hosted by Andrew Chaikin and Tim Barsky, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Real Sippin’ Whiskeys, Todd Novak of the Cowlicks at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Brian Melvin at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

CartoonJazz, Jeff Sanford’s 13-piece band plays the music of Raymond Scott, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freight- 

andsalvage.org 

Mood Food at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Sterling Dervish performs acoustic rock & roll at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña Music Together at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

FILM 

“Delicatessen,” a film about futuristic France, at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. Donation of $3-$5 reques- 

ted, no one turned away. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Juried Annual 2003-04 Artists’ Talks at Pro Arts Hear the artists speak about their work, view slides and participate in open discussion at 1 p.m. at 461 Ninth St. Oakland. 763-4361.  

www.proartsgallery.org 

Great Night of Soul Poetry, Dale and Dan Zola’s celebration of the spoken word, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $16.50 in advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761.  

www.freightandsalvage.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley High’s Dance Production at 8 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Allston and MLK. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, availabel at the door. Come early, shows sell out! 644-6120. 

“Music for the Epiphany: Seeking Light in a Time of Darkness” Renaissance, Baroque and later music to celebrate the feasts from Advent through Candelaria performed by Coro Hispano de San Francisco and Conjunto Nuevo Mundo at 8 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Tickets are $15-$20 available from 415-431-4234. www.corohispano.org 

Healing Muses presents ”Mirth and Good Cheer - Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic Music for Midwinter and the Changing of the Seasons,” at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Cost is $15-$18. All proceeds benefit the hospital music program. Advance reservations recommended. Wheelchair accessible. 524-5661. www.healingmuses.org 

Trinity Chamber Concerts presents “Fiddlers Three,” a program of 17th music for three violins and continuo at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana, at Durant. Suggested donation $20. 

Ladytown with Val Esway at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Peter Zak, pianist, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10-$12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com  

The Aux Cajunals at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Patti Whitehurst at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Triple Play, jazz trio, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Montuno Groove at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Nino Moschella and Linn Brown at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Sliding scale donation $8-$15. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

Mushroom, Jan Norberg at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

The Pit of Fashion Orchestra, conducted by Peter Barshay, at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Sharp Knife, Chased and Smashed, This is My Fist!, Holy Ghost Revival at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Matt Berkeley Group performs jazz and funk at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Nicole McRory at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

SUNDAY, JAN. 11 

EXIBITION OPENINGS 

Berkeley Art Center Annual Member’s Showcase, reception at 2 p.m. Exhibition runs to Feb. 14, Wed.-Sun., noon to 5 p.m. 644-6893. 

FILM 

“La Passante” at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $2. 848-0237.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Kay Ryan and Elena Karina Byrne at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Max Byrd reads from his new novel “Shooting the Sun” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Organ Recital by Paul M. Ellison, performing works of Tomkins, Zipoli, Pärt, Brahms, and Bach, at 6:10 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way at Ellsworth. Donation. 845-0888. 

Chamber Music Sundaes San Francisco Symphony musicians and friends perform Mozart, Grieg and Andriasov at 3:15 p.m. at St John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $7-$18, available at the door. 415-584-5946. 

Healing Muses presents ”Mirth and Good Cheer - Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic Music for Midwinter and the Changing of the Seasons,” at 4 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Cost is $15-$18. All proceeds benefit the hospital music program. Advance reservations recommended. Wheelchair accessible. 524-5661. www.healingmuses.org 

Here and Now, Contemporary Music for the Harpsichord at 5 p.m. at Music Sources, 1000 The Alameda. Tickets are $15-$18. 528-1685. www.sfems.org/musicsources  

Ta Ke Ti Na Workshop with Zorina Wolf from 3 to 6 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $35. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Biodiesel and Bluegrass A Musical Benefit for Grassroots Sustainable Energy, at 1 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., between Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland. Donation of $5-$15, children under 10 free. Childcare provided. Sponsored by Berkeley Biodiesel Collective. 658-2899. www.berkeleybiodiesel.org 

Marcos Silva Quartet, Brazilian music at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com  

John McCutcheon, Appalachian folk roots, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50 in advance, $20.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Deaf Electric Series continues at 7 p.m. at The Jazz House. Sliding scale donation $8-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

MONDAY, JAN. 12 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jane Anne Staw discusses “Unstuck: A Supportive and Practical Guide to Working Through Writer’s Block” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poetry Express, featuring Jan Steckel, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

Mikel Dunham, photographer and thankgha painter, will show slides from his new book “Samye: A Pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Earplay Reveals the Unheard, with three classical works based on poetry at 8 p.m. at Yerba Buena Center, 701 Mission St., SF. Tickets are $12-$18 and are available from 415-978-2787. 

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Anthony Swofford conveys the horrors of war in “Jarhead: A Marine’s Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Donna Rosenthal will discuss “The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave. 843-3533. 

Peter Hart exposes “The Oh Really? Factor: Unspinning Fox News Channel’s Bill O’Reilly,” co-written with Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kairos Youth Choir Open House at 4:30 p.m., 2401 LeConte at Scenic. The choir is enrolling boys and girls ages 7-15 for the spring musical “The Impossible Dream.” Auditions held throughout January. 849-8271 or info@kairoschoir.org 

Mimi Fox, solo guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Edessa and The Toids at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Balkan dance lesson with Nancy Klein at 8:00 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Dayna Stephens House Jam at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $5. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a showcase of ensembles at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 

CHILDREN 

Preschool Storytime, a program introducing books and music to promote early literacy skills, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library West Branch, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

John Dyckman and Joseph Cutler discuss “Scapegoats at Work: Taking the Bull’s-Eye Off Your Back” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

David L. Kirp, professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley introduces “Shakespeare, Einstein, and the Bottom Line: The Marketing of Higher Education” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

The Whole Note Poetry Series, with Albert Wolmer and Sparrow 13, and open mic, at 7 p.m. at The Beanery, 2925 College Ave., near Ashby. 549-9093. 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7, $5 with student i.d. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Orchestre Révoluntionnaire et Romantique & The Monteverdi Choir, conducted by John Elliot Gardiner, at 8 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $36-$72, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Billy Dunn and Bluesway at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson with Nick and Shanna at 8:00 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Phillips, Grier & Flinner, bluegrass, new grass, jazzgrass, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Ragas and Talas, classical Indian music open jam at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. $5 donation. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

Nicole and The Soul Sisters at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

The Shots play acoustic old time, bluegrass and cajun at 9 p.m. at at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Jules Broussard, Bing Nathan and Ned Boynton at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Taarka, an instrumental acoustic group, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 

THEATER 

Shotgun Players, “The Death of Meyerhold,” through Jan. 23 at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Thurs.-Sat. performances at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12-$18, available from 925-798-1300. 704-8210.  

www.shotgunplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Scheer, Christopher Scheer and Lakshmi Chaudhry expose “The Five Biggest Lies Bush Told Us About Iraq,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. www.codysbooks.com 

Dia North introduces “The Smart Spot” on the creative power of intuition at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-3635. 

Kevin Danaher, co-founder of Global Exchange, and Jason Mark discuss their new book, ”Insurrection: Citizen Challenges to Corporate Power” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with Maggie Morley and LisaAnnLoBasso, followed by an open mic, at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. 526-5985, 205-1749.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Benefit for Berkeley High Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Robert W. Getz, improvisational piano, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Cost is $8-$15 sliding scale. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

Mark Growden at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Ian Moore at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Rachel Garlin and friends perform contemporary folk at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Estero at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Mas Cabeza, salsa, funk, jazz at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Keni El Lebrijano, flamenco guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

It’s wet out there. It’s mud time, mushroom time, the Season of the Newt. 

In Tilden Regional Park (where the annual road closure is in effect), in Briones, in a hundred secret places across the spongy landscape, the brown-and-orange amphibians have gathered to mate. They may trek for considerable distances, from the standpoint of a six-inch salamander, to get to their traditional meeting sites. 

California newts appear to smell their way to their destination, following pheromone trails. They may also rely on some kind of poorly understood kinesthetic sense; laboratory subjects have been found to become disoriented after being whirled around in containers. 

Once they’ve reached their goal, male newts wait at the shoreline for females. A male that has found a partner may be joined by other hopefuls, forming what is known as a newt knot. Newts are not at all shy about the process; mating can take place in broad daylight, in front of God and everybody. 

You would think the preoccupied amphibians would be vulnerable to predators during this amatory frenzy. But they’re not, and they seem somehow to know that. They’re also not particularly secretive as they migrate. 

Our local California newts, and their close relatives the red-bellied and rough-skinned newts, are loaded with a potent poison called tarichotoxin, essentially the same as the tetrodotoxin—TTX for short—that makes puffer fish a lethal meal. Think of newts as ambulatory fugu. The substance is also similar to saxitoxin, present in the microorganisms that cause “red tides.” 

Whatever you call it, the newt’s secret weapon is the most poisonous nonprotein known to science. It’s a neurotoxin that kills by blocking sodium channels through which nerves activate muscles. With the chest muscles paralyzed, death by asphyxiation follows. Bits of newt skin have proven fatal to fish, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals. And we know that a single newt contains enough TTX to kill an adult male human. 

That fatality took place in 1979, when a 29-year-old college student in Coos Bay, Oregon got newt-swallowing drunk and ingested a rough-skinned newt on a dare. (I have spent time in Coos Bay, a dismal little lumber town, and can understand how the place might be conducive to extreme behavior). Within 10 minutes the victim’s lips began to tingle; numbness and weakness followed, then cardiopulmonary arrest. In another incident, a scientist who got newt toxin into a puncture wound on his index finger survived, but the affected arm went numb up to the shoulder for half an hour. 

Like many toxic creatures—insects, sea slugs, other amphibians like the tropical arrow-poison frogs, even one bird, the pitohui of New Guinea—western newts advertise their inedibility with bright colors. A perceived threat triggers what herpetologists call the “unken reflex”: The newt arches its body downward, throws its head back, and extends its tail over its back, showing off its orange or red undersurface. This seems to give would-be predators pause. 

Newts are also similar to other distasteful animals—the monarch butterfly, for instance—in serving as models for edible (if you don’t object on principle to eating salamanders) mimics. There’s another California salamander called the ensatina, which, depending on location, can be blotched or mottled with black and yellow or black and orange. Where its range overlaps with the California newt, though, the ensatina matches its brown back and orange belly, and even its yellow eye color. 

Monarch butterflies, of course, are protected by chemicals from the milkweed plants they fed on as caterpillars. Where does the newt’s defense come from? Good question. 

Other toxic amphibians do acquire their protection from their food. Along with wallabies, chameleons, and other exotics, arrow poison frogs native to Panama and Costa Rica have gone feral in Hawaii. The Central American populations contain a formidable brew of alkaloids; their descendants on Oahu, though, lacked most of those compounds, while some contained chemicals not found in the ancestral group. With insufficient time for radical evolutionary changes, the different diet of the Hawaiian frogs seems the most likely explanation. Recent research demonstrates that the frogs do acquire a toxic alkaloid from their insect prey, then modify it to make it 5 times more potent. 

So newts may also be appropriating the chemical defenses of the insects they eat. But other lines of research implicate bacteria in the toxicity of the fugu fish, whose poison, TTX, is similar to the newt’s. TTX-producing bacteria have been found in algae, which are eaten by fish, crabs, and other sea creatures; some, including the notorious blue-ringed octopus of Australia, concentrate enough of the substance to inflict lethal bites. Something similar may be going on in the freshwater food chains that culminate in the newts, although the specifics are unclear. 

No defense is perfect, though. A newt may be a fatal mouthful for most predators, but the common garter snake has evolved immunity to its toxin. (Some common garter snakes are more common than others: The endangered San Francisco garter snake, arguably North America’s most beautiful serpent, is a form of this species). Garter snakes and newts appear to be locked in a chemical arms race, ratcheting up to higher and higher levels of toxicity and resistance. 

Newts aren’t out to get people; they have entirely different things on their minds. They’re harmless enough if not taken internally. So admire them from a distance, and contemplate their role in the work of the late Frank Zappa (remember the recurring newt motif in 400 Motels?) And if you do happen to pick one up, wash your hands!

With the announcement Monday that Avenue Books would soon close its doors forever, a visitor to Elmwood’s only bookstore discovers an atmosphere that feels like a wake. 

On Wednesday afternoon, former employees and longtime customers shuffled to the back office to pay their respects to owner Brian Rood, while Bob Dylan’s “Percy’s Song” wailed on the stereo. 

“It’s like being at your own funeral,” Rood said.  

After 12 years of “just squeaking by,” the last two marked by sagging sales and mounting debts, Rood decided to call it quits this week, just three months after the store celebrated its twentieth anniversary and two months after another Berkeley independent book store, Shambhala, went out of business. 

But the last chapter of Avenue’s saga might not yet be written. Elmwood neighbors, famous for their efforts to preserve troubled independent shops, are considering ways to save the bookstore. 

To succeed, they will have to find a way to buck trends in the local book market where small independent sellers are being squeezed out of business by corporate giants like Amazon.com and the big chains. 

“The book business in the Bay Area has been terrible for the past two years,” said Andy Ross, owner of Cody’s Books. “There are just too many people selling too few books. We’re big enough that we can return our books instead of paying bills, but the smaller stores like Avenue don’t have much to fall back on.” 

The statistics aren’t pretty for Berkeley book merchants. Twelve-month figures ending in August show Berkeley sales of miscellaneous retail, mainly books, down 5.6 percent. 

Hut Landon of the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association said that nationally the market share for independent sellers plummeted from 33 percent in 1990 to 16 percent in 2002, though locally, independents have fared better.  

Northern California independent book sellers tallied 21 percent of the market in 2002, he said, and the number of local shops have held reasonably steady over the past decade. 

Still, in the past year, Barnes and Noble has installed megastores in Emeryville and El Cerrito, tightening its grip on Berkeley independent sellers already struggling with a slumping economy. 

“After 9/11 we had a month with no sales,” Rood said. “Then for a while we’d see people come in to buy the New York Times and wouldn’t see any of them again for the rest of the day.” 

Rood said booksellers used to think of themselves as “depression-proof,” but rapidly increasing book costs—caused in part by soaring paper prices—have pushed new hardcovers above $25 and paperbacks above $15, beyond the reach of many consumers’ budgets. 

None of this deters Elmwood residents Jerry Karabel and his wife Kristin Luker, who hope to keep the store afloat. 

The two UC Berkeley professors have discussed a bailout in which neighbors would pledge to buy books to help Rood escape his debts while a UC Berkeley Haas Business School professor would draft a new business plan to help the store turn a profit. 

Rood didn’t rule out neighborhood intervention, but remained skeptical that it could work.  

“If there was some kind of groundswell of economic support, it would be hard to turn it down. I don’t want to take someone else’s money unless I can assure future success,” he said. “And right now the future of independent booksellers is really bleak.” 

Elmwood neighbors and merchants have banded together in the past to save local shops. In 2001 when Ozzie’s Soda Fountain was set to close, Burl Willis helped find a new owner for the famous stand. Several years earlier, Willis and others organized merchants to purchase and restore the burnt out Elmwood Theater. 

Willis is out of town, but Karabel is hoping he will return to lead a campaign to save the shop before Rood closes his doors in two to three weeks. 

But John Moriarty, owner of Fourteen Karats, and head of the Elmwood Merchants Association, thought any effort to salvage the store was misguided. “What is the point of infusing money into a store if it can’t meet its bottom line?” he said. “If people want to rally together, they’d buy a fucking book.” 

Some people wonder if a book store that catered to a niche clientele might be more successful in Elmwood. Landon said specialties stores comprised the majority of new book shops in the Bay Area and Alexandra Pitcher of Black Oak Books said her shop would be in trouble without it niche markets. 

Rood’s landlord, Zoning Adjustment Board Chairman Laurie Capitelli—whose wife opened the store 20 years ago—said he was “very sorry” to hear of the store’s demise and would be open to any plans to keep Rood at the site. 

Rood, for now, is contemplating returning to his previous line of work—construction. The former carpenter and contractor entered the book business after his girlfriend grew tired of him complaining about the building trades. 

“I started working here Saturday evenings to see if I liked it,” he said. “It’s a shame. The book business suits me a lot better.”

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I would like to respond to concerns recently expressed in the Daily Planet regarding the city’s installation of curb ramps in city sidewalks. The City of Berkeley was the first community in the nation to install curb ramps to improve mobility for community members and visitors alike—a point of pride for elected officials, city staff, and community activists. 

A significant amount of General Fund revenue—$750,000—has been allocated every year to pay for improvements in city buildings, parks, and curb ramp projects. This dedication of funding is in excess of what is currently budgeted to maintain all 300 miles of sidewalks and pathways in the city. Over 83 percent of the areas identified for curb ramps have been completed since the program began.  

A typical accessible curb ramp currently costs $1,200 each—not the $11,533 figure quoted in several letters to the editor. A typical ramp installation involves removal and replacement of at least 84 square feet of concrete and a significant amount of handwork required to ensure the slope and grooves comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. This includes the replacement of the concrete gutter and adjoining street asphalt and other features. When other storm drain and/or utility construction or relocation is required, the costs can be significantly higher. 

The City of Berkeley works diligently to improve access to all, maintain safety, and to provide services as efficiently as possible. Berkeley’s pioneering efforts continue to yield benefits but also serve as a benchmark for future improvements. Despite economic challenges ahead, the city will continue to improve accessibility while responsibly managing scarce resources. 

Rene Cardinaux, AIA 

Director of Public Works 

City of Berkeley 

While Berkeley public access television is now available to a world-wide audience, that doesn’t mean it’s ready for prime time. 

Starting Jan. 1, Channel 28 became one of the first community stations to stream its shows online—zapping Berkeley legends like Frank Moore and Stoney Blake into homes from Albania to Zaire. 

But all is not well for Berkeley Community Media.  

First, the station barely has enough bandwidth to satisfy a Berkeley frat house. 

“If more than say 25-30 people try to watch over the Internet at the same time, it won’t work,” said station Executive Director Brian Scott. 

The Internet conundrum is emblematic of problems that have plagued BCM since its inception in 1992, Scott said. 

Lofty goals have been squashed by tight wallets.  

Like most public access stations, BCM gets most of its $300,000 budget—about 85 percent—from money local cable monopoly Comcast pays to the city. But unlike most other cities, Berkeley shunts more than half of its Comcast money—four percent of all subscription revenues—into its general fund. 

BCM gets the remaining 40 percent, leaving the five-employee station understaffed and poorly equipped to get Berkeley constituencies on the air, Scott said. 

Even the station’s staunchest supporters acknowledge the station has failed to win the hearts of Berkeley residents. 

“It’s a chicken or the egg type problem,” said Berkeley-based performance artist George Coates, who had to buy the station a TelePrompTer to produce a new show for the station. 

“If they had money and could serve Berkeley communities properly, then people would fight for it,” he said. “People don’t watch Channel 28 because the station doesn’t have the funds to create a loyal fan base.” 

Streaming the shows online costs almost nothing, but purchasing more bandwidth so lots of people can watch programs would run into the tens of thousands. 

Scott said he went online so he could improve access and drum up more funding, but unfortunately for the star-crossed outlet, the video streaming launch came amidst a city budget crunch that threatens to eliminate community television altogether. 

Rumors have circulated that the city has considered pulling the plug on Channel 28, leaving Berkeley viewers with government Channel 33—home to City Council, Rent Board and Zoning Adjustment Board simulcasts—as the city’s sole public access station.  

Like other city-funded entities, BCM has been asked to come up with a 20 percent budget reduction as the city tries to dig itself out of a roughly $10 million hole. 

If implemented, the cuts would gut training programs for production novices and pare operating time from six to four days a week, Scott said. 

Lack of staffing has already turned off constituencies that could have used the station to promote their agendas, Coates said. “We don’t really have public access TV in Berkeley,” he said. “It’s a lie. We have the capacity in terms of hardware and connections, but there’s no production staff.  

“If people wanted to do a show for the disabled community there wouldn’t be anyone to work the camera, or operate the sound board or edit the tape,” he said. 

Berkeley Community Media’s best opportunity for some financial breathing room could come in 2007, when Berkeley’s contract with Comcast expires. The city has quarreled with the company over the years, most recently over a scheduled $200,000 payment due to BCM. 

After the city was late in billing Comcast for the fee mandated in their contract, Comcast insisted it didn’t have to make the payment until Berkeley threatened a lawsuit. Scott said he is still waiting for the money, which goes to the station’s capital account. 

He hopes a new deal could generate more money for the city and the station and also launch the station’s programing onto Comcast’s bandwidth, which could truly give the station a global reach. 

That would be pivotal for Coates’ new show, “Better Bad News,” a collaboration with the Berkeley Adult School in which students play news anchors or expert panelists reading off a TelePrompTer whatever viewers ask them to say.  

Coates says the show mocks broadcast news by allowing regular people to fill the mouths of talking heads instead of entrenched political interests. 

The TV news “puppet show satire” allows residents to e-mail statements the announcers will deliver on television. If the show can go live online with enough staff support, viewers can write their text and watch the announcers say it in real time. 

“You’d gain a thrill that doesn’t happen when it’s tape delayed,” he said.  

“If you’re writing at your laptop and see a talking head reading every word you just submitted, that would be a thrill.”

A 44-year old Berkeley peace activist detained and jailed in the Occupied West Bank for participating in a New Year Eve’s protest over the construction of Israel’s new “security fence” was freed on bail Thursday morning after nine days in a Ministry of the Interior detention center in Khadera, north of Tel Aviv. 

Kate Raphael, a member of the International Women’s Peace Service (IWPS), a group formed to monitor Human Rights abuses in the area, was arrested as she filmed a protest in the West Bank town of Budrus, an event attended by an estimated 400-500 Israeli, Palestinian and International peace activists. 

After paying the 7,000 shekel bail fine (about $1,700) and spending at least one more night in jail than originally expected, Raphael now faces a pending deportation order which would force her to leave the country by Jan. 17. 

Fellow activists in the region along with Raphael’s lawyer, Gaby Lasky, say Raphael will fight the deportation and hopes to stay until Feb. 8, her originally planned departure date. If she beats the deportation order, she said she also plans to travel to Iraq for several weeks. 

If deported, she’ll be barred from re-entering Israel for 10 years, and while on bail she can’t return to the West Bank. 

“I’m really gratified to not be in prison, but I’m still really concerned about what is going on in Budrus,” said Raphael over the phone from a cafe in Tel-Aviv on the night of her release. 

Raphael was arrested at one of a string of protests in Budrus, which lies along the 400 mile-long “fence” dubbed “the apartheid wall” by activists outraged that the barrier effectively annexes large chunks of Palestinian land. 

Erected from what Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called security concerns, the wall juts far off the course of Palestine’s 1967 border, or Green Line, encompassing enclaves of Jewish West Bank settlements while leaving towns such as Budrus that lie near the settlements largely cut off from basic services and denied access to much of their farmland. 

Angie Zeltzer, a British IWPS member, said one of the organization’s key functions is to protect local Palestinians from violence by the surrounding Jewish settlers—whose population she says now equals that of the Palestinians. 

Raphael was arrested on the day Israeli police fired on protestors with rubber bullets and tear gas as the protestors tried to stop bulldozers from tearing out Palestinian olive groves along the proposed route of the wall. 

Arrested along with her were four Israelis and three other internationals, including Swedish parliamentarian Gustav Fridolin, who agreed to leave the country. According to Zeltzer, eight to 10 Palestinians were also injured by Israeli police. 

The Israeli activists have now been released and the other internationals have said they intend to fight deportation. 

Another American peace activist in the West Bank with IWPS is Dunya, who wouldn’t give her last name because she said she fears reprisal from the Israeli government. Dunya said Raphael’s hadn’t been able to communicate with her lawyer as often as she needed during her incarceration. IWPS members approached shared their concerns with the American Consulate, but Dunya said that although Counsular officials did visit Raphael, they often “only paid lip service” to her concerns. 

Dunya said the State Attorney’s office in Israel and the Ministry of the Interior have been purposely vague and uncooperative throughout. 

Raphael said she also saw gross human rights violations while in jail. She said when Israeli officials routinely mistreated other women prisoners, mostly immigrants from Eastern Europe found without passports who were domestic and sex workers trying to work off the cost of their ticket to Israel.  

A spokesperson for the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco refused to comment either on the detention or on the protest that took place outside their office Tuesday, attended by around 100 of Raphael’s supporters, including Women in Black and Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism (QUIT). 

Critics of the detention and deportation of international peace observers say Israel’s actions constitute obvious signs of weakness within their position. 

“It’s of great concern that Israel doesn’t allow observers into Palestinian territory,” said Dunya. “I would hope that one would ask what they have to hide.” 

Barbara Lubin, long-time activist, director of the Middle Eastern Children’s Alliance here in Berkeley and a friend of Raphael’s agrees. “It’s really disgusting that Kate or anyone is thrown out because they trying to support the Palestinians who are suffering under this occupation,” she said. “I find it outrageous. But it’s still not as disgusting as their behavior towards the Palestinians.”

BERKELEY HIGH LIBRARY 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

Thank you for running the article highlighting our beautiful new Berkeley High School Library in the Berkeley Daily Planet (“Berkeley High Library Will Reopen in January,” Daily Planet, Dec. 26-29), and thank you Matthew Artz for writing it. After nearly 10 years of planning, building and equipping, our school is eager to make use of the new facility. We’d love to have Matt return to visit us once we are open and settled in with everything in place—perhaps later in January. There will be a public celebration of the library and the whole facility on March 13 to which you are also invited. 

A quick clarification for your records: Though we were very short on space in the interim library, all of our new books were housed there, only the older B Building books were stored in the portables offsite. 

Staff, parents and community members have put in a lot of their own time getting everything ready. Parents have spent long hours this first week helping to organize books in the library, unpacking stacks of boxes in the beautiful new College Counseling Center (located directly across from the library), while staff spent long hours here during the holiday break, and the enthusiasm has been electric. And we can’t forget the contractors and the workers who have also worked very hard to make this happen. Their pride in this beautiful building is evident. 

Our high school community is grateful to everyone for the commitment to make this new library possible and to you for your interest in notifying the public  

about our success. 

Susie Goodin 

BHS Library Move Coordinator 

• 

DEBUNKING MAIN STREET 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

Once again, community activists have been proven to be correct in their judgment of and opposition to the downtown boondoggle known as “Main Street USA.” Eddie Bauer’s pending closure underscores the volatile combination of corporate chains and overvalued commercial real estate. The value, in no small part, pumped up by the inflow of public funds to benefit a handful of downtown interests. 

When Berkeley’s other commercial corridors (San Pablo Avenue, University Avenue and Upper Solano Avenue) are examined, two common features emerge—the majority of businesses are, for the most part, locally owned enterprises and very few vacancies. University Avenue, given the number of Southeast Asian stores and restaurants (60 plus) is a regional shopping draw. San Pablo is where you go for a wide variety of goods and services. Upper Solano speaks for itself. It is likely that any one of the first two corridors contribute more to the city coffers than the downtown district yet they receive less than their share of funding in proportion. Perhaps benign neglect is the best policy when we see the results of the “house beautiful” attitude of the City Planning Department combined with the greed of local developers. 

Rather than propping up a moribund downtown plan that has a dismal record and brought with it harassment and criminalization of street musicians, vendors, and the homeless, the City of Berkeley should put its efforts into encouraging and assisting the development of locally owned endeavors. And, as far as the “Arts District” is concerned, two points need to be made. Who can afford the price of admission and why is Berkeley’s original “arts district”—West Berkeley—given such short shrift when millions in public funds have been used to create an artificial play district for a minority of well off folks? 

Stephen Dunifer 

• 

TREE HAZARD 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

The Berkeley Daily Planet recently ran my opinion piece in which I decried the inability of the City of Berkeley to remove an obvious tree hazard (“Berkeley Officialdom Ignores an Impending Danger,” Daily Planet, Jan. 2-5). On Jan. 6, Gerta Farber wrote a letter to the editor in which she was very generous with my money, suggesting that I should not have spent the $1,800 to repair the damage to my car and, instead, have redirected it to hiring a company to remove the tree. Thanks Gerta. Then, I not only would have a car that didn’t run, I would have an issue with the city about destroying one of their trees without permission. I hope you don’t go around removing trees that belong to someone else--you could get in big trouble. Actually, though, most of the money was paid by my insurance company, and I doubt Allstate was up to (or legally allowed to) spend the money on tree removal. And where did you, Gerta, get the idea that the city was “compassionate”? I guess you never had to fill out forms for three hours in the Planning Department to register a simple address change from one law office to another. And pay a bunch of money beside for the privilege of wasting those hours. 

The point is that we pay taxes, probably close to the highest taxes in the western world, for the city to provide services. The city acts with alacrity when something might fall down on the heads of the city bureacracy—witness the earthquake-proofing of government buildings. But they do nothing about hazards to residents and visitors. I would think that these taxes could pay for someone to make safe a city-owned tree, or sweep glass off of city-owned downtown sidewalks (instead of spending lots of money soul-searching about why Eddie Bauer and Huston’s went out of business). Yes I guess we all could do these things ourselves, but, then, why are we paying the city to do it? 

By the way, after the article ran, red cones have gone up on the block and it looks the city may now have been embarrassed enough to do something about the tree. The glass, meanwhile, still glitters on the sidewalk, and, on a sunny day, one might squint and pretend we have winter ice, just like cities in other parts of the country. 

Jeez. I’m beginning to sound like a Republican or something. 

Paul Glusman 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Since this letter was written, the tree has been removed. 

• 

XXXXXXXXXX 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Sharon Hudson may have been uncharacteristically unfair in her op-ed piece to blame Polly Armstrong for “watering down” the concern that the Zoning Department staff is seen by some to be overly favorable to building-permit applicants ( “City Report Fails to Cite Pro-Developer Staff,” Daily Planet, Dec. 19-22). Ms. Hudson complains that the final text, (“There is concern that the staff members appear to act as advocates for or against an application”) is just “spineless drivel.” 

As a member of the task force, I remember pointing out that in the almost 200 applicant-neighbor situations that I have mediated (as a volunteer with the Berkeley Dispute Resolution Service), a surprising number of applicants say that they are dismayed that the zoning staff has allowed the neighbors too much control over their desire to add on to their house. Of course the staff is not responsible; the right of neighbors to protest new construction is well-embedded in Berkeley’s Zoning Ordinance. 

Single-family residences, which are the main users of mediation, were discussed at a separate time from large-scale development. In retrospect we might have tried to cram too much into that one sentence. Maybe two separate sentences would have better clarified the two different attitudes. Public concern about large projects is much more intense than that about adding a bedroom to someone’s house. 

Ms. Hudson knows that the task force was careful to conclude and include only those items that were generally agreed on. There were no 7-to-6 vote decisions between good guys and bad guys. Ms. Armstrong, nor anyone else, could not have watered down anything without generalized support. 

Ms. Hudson knows this because she, along with other concerned citizens, were at all the meetings, and were de-facto “members” of the task force. Their spoken commentary was valuable and listened to. Her on-going written commentary was well thought out, and her two recent articles in the Daily Planet, pace the Armstrong comment, were a judicious reflection of the work of the task force.  

Victor Herbert  

• 

XXXXXXXXXX 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

If you don’t like America then move to Iraq. We will all be happy to see you idiots leave. 

Jim Hamel 

“I get ideas, I start things, but then I don’t know what to do with them. I’m not a good administrator. It’s a serious fault,” said Zoia Horn, looking down apologetically. 

I suggested that simply provoking action was useful, and that maybe I ought to title this sketch of her “A Provoking Woman.” 

She raised her eyes, and her face lit up. “Oh, yes, I like that!” 

Zoia is best known for provoking a lot of people in 1972, when she, a proper lady-librarian then in her fifties, refused to testify in the conspiracy trial of the Harrisburg Seven—Phillip Berrigan and other anti-Vietnam War priests and nuns. She spent 20 days in jail, at which point the jury deadlocked, the judge declared a mistrial, and the charges (one of which was plotting to kidnap Henry Kissinger!?) fell apart. But that was only her most dramatic act at the mid-point of a long life of provocation. 

Zoia was born in 1918 to a secular family of shopkeepers and small businessmen in Odessa, Ukraine. “I didn’t know I was a Jew until I was six, and a schoolmate told me I had ‘killed Christ.’” In 1926 her family emigrated to Canada, then to New York City. She was a good student, both in academic subjects and in music. After high school she attended Brooklyn College, and later the Pratt Institute Library School. 

While in high school and in college she was already developing her talent for provocation: boycotting silk stockings when Japan invaded China; marching with labor unions in May Day parades; protesting Franco’s takeover of Spain. 

In the 1940s and 1950s came her first library jobs, her marriage, her two daughters, and a spell of rural living.  

But in the 1960s her life, like the lives of so many people, changed radically. One catalyst for change was her winning a 1964, one-month Humanities Fellowship to the University of Oregon. That was the start of her growing activism in librarians’ organizations and conferences, where she met people who shared her passion for the educational mission of libraries—including the tall, soft-spoken Dean Galloway, Director of library services at Stanislaus State College in Turlock, California.  

In 1965 Zoia drove west, ended her marriage, and got a job at the UCLA library, where every day at noon she joined a silent vigil against the Vietnam War, “always wearing good shoes and gloves, the proper lady-librarian. I think that’s important, for people to see that protestors are ordinary folks very much like themselves.” 

In 1968 she headed east again, hired as Head of the Reference Department at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. There she also worked with other peace activists. Three years later, she was back in California, where she and Dean were married, and Zoia began working at the Modesto Public Library.  

In 1972 she was summoned back to Lewisburg to testify in the “conspiracy” trial. When she asked herself whether she should protest by refusing to testify (both the defense and the judge had said her testimony would not affect the outcome), Dean assured her that he would support her decision, whatever it was. The American Library Association was more ambivalent than Dean. At first, they issued a statement of non-support for any refusal to cooperate with the government; later they issued a commendation for Zoia’s refusal. (Her lifelong participation in the ALA continued to be—we might say—provoking.) 

After the trial, she returned to the Modesto Library, where she started something she is still proud of. “I saw that we had many Spanish speaking patrons, so I polled the librarians, then got someone to come in at 8 a.m. and teach us Spanish. Before you knew it, I was getting calls from other city agencies, asking if they could send some of their people over to learn too!”  

But Zoia felt uncomfortable as an administrator in Modesto. “I don’t know if it was the trial publicity or just the times, when younger librarians were questioning all authority. Anyway, I quit.”  

Zoia would never land a job as a full-time librarian again. “There was the two-year, six-county Interlibrary Co-op Project funded by a Federal grant (1974-76), and much later a part-time job in the library at DVC (1977-92). But when we moved to the East Bay in 1977, I applied all over, had good interviews, everyone commending me for my ‘courageous’ stand at the trial. But I would never get the job.” 

The reasons are probably broader and more complicated than anything having to do with the 1972 trial. 

“What I’ve always tried to do is to redefine the definition of censorship, broaden it, because censorship means barriers that restrict access to knowledge. It includes pervasive prejudices like sexism and racism that distort judgment or simply screen out realities. It includes monopoly media cut out many facts and opinions. Censorship takes so many forms.”  

Zoia held to this conviction when she was elected to the ALA Council (1974), and appointed to the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee (1977). There, and on various other committees, she found herself engaged in complicated bureaucratic conflicts, as when she protested 1977 changes that she felt weakened the wording of the (1939) ALA Library Bill of Rights. That same year she joined African-Americans in protesting an ALA-sponsored film made ostensibly to promote protection of free speech. This messy conflict nearly tore the ALA apart for a while. (You’ll find fascinating details on this and other struggles, in ZOIA! Memoirs of Zoia Horn, Battler for the People’s Right to Know, published by Mc Farland & Co., 1994). 

Also found in this memoir are references to Zoia’s 15-year labor of love, starting in 1977, when she volunteered at the Data Center in Oakland. “It’s a super-reference library, gathering data on vital issues. People come from all over to get information they can’t find anywhere else.”  

Zoia laughed. “The Federal Government even came to us once because they didn’t have a complete list of industries that had moved offshore. We had it!” 

At the Data Center she began the Right to Know Project, for which she edited four volumes of resources on specific issues. This led to her working with distinguished journalists at the Center for Investigative Reporting in San Francisco. From her list of organizations participating in the Right to Know Project she helped establish the American Library Association’s Coalition on Government Information, which has worked with many organizations to provide access to essential information. 

“All this was possible because of Dean’s support, which went beyond earning our living,” she said. “He’s a great advisor and editor.” 

Official awards and honors come in regularly now; the latest is the California Library Association’s newly established annual Zioa Horn Intellectual Freedom Award. “I have especially warm feelings toward this honor because the CLA has been very supportive of my efforts.” 

But at 85, Zoia refuses to become a quiet icon. She is still provoking people, protesting attempts to charge fees for library reference services, defending a gay librarian in Oakland attacked for creating a display of gay library materials, speaking at community meetings urging the Oakland Public Library and the Oakland City Council to adopt resolutions against the Patriot Act (they did). 

And you can be sure that she appears to make her protest with every hair in place, wearing a stylish but conservative outfit--every inch the lady-librarian.

A world-renowned Berkeley landscape architect has paired with a relatively unknown City of New York employee to win the competition to design the memorial for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. 

According to the New York Daily News, Peter Walker met Thursday in Berkeley with his collaborator Peter Arad and Ground Zero master planner Daniel Liebeskind to discuss changes to the winning Walker/Arad submission. 

As the principal of Peter Walker and Partners, Landscape Architecture, Inc., 739 Allston Way in West Berkeley, Walker has achieved worldwide fame for his designs, including the development of Millennium Park for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Walker headed the Department of Landscape Architecture at UC Berkeley from 1997 to 1999. 

His partner in the World Trade Center memorial is an assistant architect for New York City’s Housing Authority. 

According to published accounts, their design has triggered some controversy, resulting in Thursday’s meeting in Berkeley.

Heavy rains over the holiday break left a number of teachers and students at Malcolm X Arts and Academic magnet school without classrooms after water from the surrounding area came spilling into the annex building, forcing a major cleanup and renovation that will keep ground-floor rooms closed until the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Day.  

Rhonda Bacot, Director of Maintenance for the Berkeley Unified School District, said the water piled up after heavy rains hit the area Dec. 29. Neither Bacot nor the Berkeley Public Works department know the exact cause of the backup, but they’re guessing it came from neighborhood storm drains overwhelmed by the storm.  

Brush and leaves also gathered over the school’s drains, leaving the water no place to go but into the building. 

A security guard discovered the problem the middle of last week, and by Saturday the school had mobilized a cleanup that drew parent volunteers and administrators.  

A contractor is now stripping carpeting and wallboard from the damaged areas and an environmental consultant has also been called in to ensure air and structural safety. 

Bacot said there was no danger of contamination from sewage because the sewer and storm drains each have separate systems. A small amount of hydraulic fuel leaked from the school elevator but that was isolated and cleaned up immediately, he said. 

Thus far, the cleanup has cost $49,000. Once it’s finished, another contractor will replace and repair the damaged areas. 

Meantime, students and administrators have had to come up with creative space solutions to accommodate those displaced. 

“The teachers, parents and kids have been so good,” said Principal Cheryl Chinn. 

Dyanthe McDougal, a first grade teacher with 19 students in her class, has had to relocate to a smaller classroom, but she says everyone involved has been extremely helpful. 

“Everyone helped me move things from the old room and it was a really quick response,” she said. 

Rene Cardinaux from the Berkeley Public Works department said the office did not receive a service call about the flood until recently and therefore have not looked into it yet. 

The school’s north border runs along Ashby Avenue, where neighbors have repeatedly complained to the Daily Planet about poor drainage resulting in flooded basements. Cardinaux said reports have come in about poor drainage in the area but said it’s not considered one of the city’s problem spots. 

“I don’t think there is a design problem. Ashby, like University Avenue, runs downhill the whole way so it’s like a canal. If there is any obstruction [in the drains] there is overflow and flooding,” he said. 

This is not the first time the school has been flooded, according to Chinn, but it was the most severe. 

At least one parent, who declined to give her name, complained that her son was affected by the flood, saying that the smell left over from the water made her son nauseous and wheezy. She is also concerned with the school’s decision to reopen the cafeteria which was affected during the flood. 

“I like the school, but they cannot in good conscience let kids have lunch in a place that smells so bad,” she said. “I think it’s unsanitary and unsafe.”. 

Chinn and Bacot dispute her claim and say the area was only opened after a thorough cleaning and an inspection by the Berkeley Health Department.  

“If it was a health and safety problem, we would have never used [the cafeteria],” said Chinn.  

Bacot said the cafeteria, unlike the rest of the ground floor on the annex, reopened quickly because the floor and lowest portions of the walls are concrete and weren’t affected by the water. Unlike the annex, where wallboard is being removed to prevent mold, the cafeteria only needed to be emptied of water and cleaned. 

Bacot said the smell has also been mostly removed by using large fans that circulate air, helping to dry affected areas and prevent molding.

Immigrant communities and their news media were quick to respond to the implementation this week of a program that fingerprints and photographs most foreign visitors upon entry to the United States. 

Reaction came from both established U.S. communities as well as their home countries and ranged from cautious optimism to swift retaliation.  

The Department of Homeland Security unveiled the US-VISIT program at 115 airports and 14 seaports on Monday as part of the ongoing anti-terror campaign. Visitors from all but 28 mostly European countries, those that normally do not require tourist visas for a stay of more than 90 days, are subject to checks—totaling some 24 million travelers a year.  

Visitors from all countries traveling on work or student visas or for more than 90 days must abide by the new rules.  

The Washington-based National Council of Pakistani Americans (NCPA) cautiously welcomed the US-VISIT program saying it was a much better alternative than a predecessor program which required men from mostly Muslim nations to register with immigration officials and resulted in more than 13,000 slated for deportation, 2,800 detainees and 143 arrests. 

“The new fingerprint program is less discriminatory and does not just target Muslim visitors. It is clearly not anti-immigrant,” said NCPA president Faiz Rehman. He said with only $380 million allocated to the program this year, his group was more concerned about long delays at ports of entry.  

In a Jan. 5 editorial headlined “Security: At What Price?", Pilar Marrero, political editor with Spanish-language daily La Opinion, wrote that the new security measures may turn out to be a good idea and perhaps helpful in terms of preventing a new terrorist attack, but also comes with a heavy price. The fingerprinting measures are also in effect along the U.S.-Mexico border. 

She writes, “Yes, it is clear things are not the way they used to be and with time there will be more and more control over society. Good or bad, the issue is that this does not resolve the deeper problems and the real reasons for the conflict.” 

The new U.S. regulations drew a sharp outcry from overseas, however. 

Last week a federal judge in Brazil described the U.S. actions as xenophobic and ruled that Brazil would begin fingerprinting and photographing U.S. visitors, who are now experiencing delays at Brazilian airports as they are registered, according to Brazilian daily newspaper websites on Jan. 5.  

Brazil’s government is considering an appeal to overturn the ruling, citing fears that tourism revenue will be hurt—but that may prove hard to do. A legislator from the governing Workers’ Party told the Jornal do Brasil daily in Rio de Janeiro that the retaliatory measures should be upheld and also should be expanded to other nations in the South American economic bloc known as Mercosur, which is led by Brazil, and includes Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.  

“If Brazilians are being registered in the United States, then Americans should receive the same treatment here,” Rep. Doutor Rosinha, who sits on a committee that oversees Mercosur relations, was quoted as saying. “All of Mercosur could adopt the same procedure, basing its decision on international law.” 

None of the Mercosur countries, or associate members Chile and Bolivia, are exempt from the U.S. fingerprinting program. 

The U.S. embassy in Seoul, Korea was forced to defend the program criticized heavily by Korean civic groups, according to the bilingual Korea Times.  

Korean activists were concerned over a possible violation of human rights as well as misuse of the biometric information collected and stored by U.S. federal officials. 

The U.S. Embassy official said in a statement that a country has a right to protects its citizens and preserve its sovereignty.  

Seoul’s Foreign Affairs-Trade Ministry officials said the country has no immediate plans for quid pro quo and subject U.S. citizens to a similar registration process as Brazil has done. 

“It’s difficult to apply outright reciprocity on U.S. citizens, in consideration of bilateral trade and tourism agreements as well as overall relations with the U.S. We’ll have to see how other countries deal with the matter,’’ a senior ministry official said. 

At San Francisco International airport, many Indian nationals who were subject to the regulations for the first time seemed not to be bothered by them at all. “Most said it added only an extra 15 to 20 seconds to the process,” said San Leandro-based India-West writer Rupal Shah. 

Kishore Kumar, a visitor who flew into San Francisco from Delhi told India-West upon his arrival, “It will help U.S. officials keep better track of possible terrorist threats and there isn’t much extra time needed at customs.” 

Ravi Tumber, a U.S. citizen who was receiving friends from Delhi was more skeptical about the program. “I think it’s a worthwhile program, but I don’t know how accurate it will be,” he said. “If someone really wants to harm this country and it’s citizens, they will find a way, no matter what country. If they can do it from one country, they can do it from any country.”  

Marcelo Ballve and Sandip Roy contributed to this report.

Among European foreign correspondents based in the United States there is an uproar. Returning from their homelands after their end-of-the-year vacations, for the first time in history many had the unsavory experience of being asked at the border to provide their fingerprints and their pictures.  

Most European countries are among the 28 nations whose citizens are theoretically exempted by the Homeland Security Department from having to comply with U.S.-VISIT, the just-introduced program of finger-scanning and photographing foreign nationals coming to the United States.  

When going through customs at John F. Kennedy airport in New York, Enrico Pedemonte, U.S. correspondent for L’Espresso, Italy’s leading newsweekly, was curtly asked to put his index finger onto an electronic scanner. Pedemonte then had to turn his head toward a hidden camera to have his mug shot taken.  

“I don’t have anything to hide and I don’t fear any particular retribution from this request. It was, however, very unsettling to have to be fingerprinted like a criminal after life-long honesty and compliance with the laws both in my home country and here in the U.S.,” Pedemonte says, when reached at his office in New York. “In addition, wasn’t this supposed to be the land of the free speech?”  

Pedemonte says he finds it “discriminatory” for the rest of the world that 28 countries are being excluded from the provision. And, he adds, finger-scanning journalists, even if only foreign correspondents, “may be the first step of an initiative directed at muting the freedom of press.”  

Pedemonte’s reaction isn’t unique or peculiar. Phones have been ringing off the hook at foreign media offices in the U.S. In the countries in which journalists are represented by trade associations, like in Italy, trade representatives are being asked to put pressure on the State Department to see that the fingerprinting program for foreign journalists is put to an end.  

However, the problem isn’t only with journalists coming from those 28 countries. Inquiries directed to the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department by some Italian correspondents in the U.S. revealed that other categories of citizens from other countries coming on a visa to the U.S. will be fingerprinted and photographed regardless of their country of origin. This means that scientific researchers, students, businesspeople, as well as journalists—basically anyone who has a visa—coming from those exempted countries will be asked to comply with the new tracking program.  

The visa-waiver program only applies to nationals from those countries who come to the United States for less than 90 days on work or as tourists.  

“This will affect the ability of the U.S. to keep its leading position in science, business and technology if foreign professionals coming to or dealing with the U.S. have to fear for their welfare,” says another European foreign correspondent living in the United States who did not wish to be identified.  

Many media professionals, some foreign journalists note, were fingerprinted in Italy and France during the fascist era. That practice led many to self-censor for fear of retaliation if they wrote anything critical of the regime. Some ended up in jail. Others, in a bid to save themselves, turned into the regime’s rubber-stampers, or worse, into spies for the fascists. Today, some journalists fear that the new finger-scanning and photographing could have a similar chilling effect.  

PNS correspondent Paolo Pontoniere is the U.S. correspondent for Focus, Italy’s leading monthly magazine.  

Planners Discuss UC Hotel 

The proposed downtown UC Berkeley hotel and convention center complex may give the city the opportunity to close the first block of Center Street to vehicle traffic and open a similar section of Strawberry Creek to the air.  

Both proposals were tossed out at a meeting this week by members of the Berkeley Planning Commission’s subcommittee on the project, who stressed that the city’s Center Street development proposals are proposals only, and still need several months of study before the subcommittee is ready to make recommendations. 

UC plans to buy the Bank of America branch at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street and replace it with a conference center, 200-room hotel, and bank. 

Kevin Hufferd, UC’s manager for the proposed project, announced at Tuesday afternoon’s meeting that the university is currently interviewing four development/architectural teams to manage the project, down from the original eight. Hufferd said that one of the teams will be selected by the end of January. 

At the same time, Mayor Tom Bates said he was continuing negotiations with UC Berkeley officials over whether or not the proposed complex is subject to the city zoning regulations. UC officials say it isn’t, while Berkeley officials insist that it is—with a major issue being how high the building will be able to rise. 

“Both sides want this project to succeed,” Bates said. “The city has the option of settling this in court, but that’s obviously not the way we want to proceed. We’re hoping we’ll be able to work something out.” 

Councilmember Dona Spring suggested that one compromise might be for the city to trade off a higher height limit for environmental concessions from the university, “including financial support for the opening of the creek.” 

—J. Douglas Allen-Taylor 

Gun Death Suit Delayed 

OAKLAND—A resolution to the long-running legal battle over responsibility for a shooting accident in which a 15-year-old Berkeley boy was killed will have to wait at least a few more months. 

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Henry Needham this week granted a continuance to Beretta USA, the maker of a 9mm semiautomatic handgun that Michael Soe, who was 14 at the time, used when he shot and killed Kenzo Dix on May 29, 1994. The two boys were good friends and neighbors on Tenth Street in Berkeley. 

When the case returns to court, it will be the third trial in the incident. The first resulted in a subsequently overturned verdict for the gun manufacturer and the second ended in December with a hung jury. 

—Bay City News 

Music Fundraiser Results 

Advocates for music instruction in the Berkeley schools will have to find a new way to get instruments back into the hands of fourth graders after their latest fundraiser fell far short of expectations. 

A holiday promotion with Rasputin Music netted roughly $2,750, a far cry from the $100,000 organizers hoped to raise to restore district funding cuts to the music program. 

“It’s disappointing,” said Bob Kridle of the district’s Music Committee. “I had totally miscalculated the possibilities.” 

During the holiday season, Rasputin bought all used merchandise collected by the schools and donated the buy-back price plus an extra 10 percent to the music program. 

In all, the store purchased roughly 6,000 CDs, tapes, records and DVDs at an average price just under 50 cents. 

The Rasputin promotion was the second major fundraiser for the music committee—a collaborative of parents and district employees—to plug a $100,000 funding gap from district budget cuts that ended instrument instruction for fourth graders and cut back music instruction for middle school students. A benefit concert held last May raised about $5,000, Kridle said. 

—Matthew Artz 

Toxic Fears Close Skatepark 

For the second consecutive winter, the city has closed its West Berkeley skatepark due to presumed contamination by the toxin made famous in the movie Erin Brockovich. 

City officials shut down the park indefinitely last month, Acting Director of Parks and Recreation Marc Seleznow said, after an inspection showed groundwater seeping through joints and cracks into the park’s concrete bowls.  

The park at Fifth and Harrison Streets was constructed above a plume of Chromium 6, a carcinogen traced to a color engraving company formerly located near the site. 

Previous instances of contaminated ground water infiltrations delayed construction of the park and doubled its price tag. 

Last winter, after heavy December rains, city toxic officials once again found Chromium 6 in the bowls of the park, forcing them to close it until June. 

Seleznow said the city so far hasn’t bothered to test the groundwater that seeped in this year, but is assuming it’s contaminated. 

He said this year the city has a treatment solution—a mix of Vitamin C and water—to decontaminate the bowls, but won’t bother applying it until winter rains subside for at least several days. 

—Matthew Artz 

New Chancellor Search 

The search to find a new Chancellor for UC Berkeley begins in earnest later this month. 

UC President Robert Dynes named a 17-member committee of regents, faculty, staff, students and alumni Monday to advise him on choosing a successor to outgoing Chancellor Robert Berdahl, who in September announced his intention to step down as chancellor this summer.  

The committee will be involved in recruiting, screening and interviewing potential candidates. They will meet in closed session Jan. 28. 

Dynes hopes to recommend a candidate to board of Regents by April. 

Memorial Stadium Upgrade 

UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Berdahl gave his blessing Wednesday to a plan to retrofit Memorial Stadium and transform it into a “unique academic-athletic partnership.” 

The $140 million plan—to be funded entirely with private donations—would retrofit the 81-year-old stadium built above the Hayward Fault and provide new workout space, locker rooms, and sports medicine services for football and other UC Berkeley sports teams. New classrooms, laboratories and office spaces could also be added to the stadium. 

Work can’t begin until the university receives pledges to cover 40 percent of the costs, roughly $60 million. UC Berkeley Athletic Department spokesperson Bob Rose said a pledge drive was already underway. 

The project is on the high end of past proposals to renovate the stadium and reflects the improving fortunes of the university’s football team—which under second-year coach Jeff Tedford won its first bowl game in 10 years last season. 

Rumors have linked Tedford to several high-profile coaching jobs and a stadium upgrade is seen as vital to keep the highly sought-after coach at Cal. 

In making his announcement, Berdahl acknowledged his promise to the coach about improving the university’s facilities. He said, “With a football program that clearly has momentum, a stadium that sorely needs a facelift and demand for more academic space, there is no better time than now to move forward on this worthwhile project.” He added that in the coming months he plans to meet with potential donors about the project.

Meat Cleaver Attack 

A Berkeley man awoke early Wednesday morning to find his neighbor attacking him with a meat cleaver. 

The unprovoked assault began at 1:33 a.m. as the victim slept at his house on the 2700 block of Matthews Street, said police spokesperson Kevin Schofield. 

The alleged attacker, Aaron Jordan, 23, of Berkeley broke the victim’s window, climbed inside and began hacking away with the cleaver. The victim “fought (back) violently,” Schofield said, among other things inflicting a bit on his assailant’s arm. 

The fight moved to the victim’s porch, where the victim managed to wrest the cleaver from Jordan’s grip just as the first officer arrived in response to several 911 calls from neighbors. Jordan then began fighting the officer, resisting until the arrival of backup ended the fracas. 

Both Jordan and the victim were taken to Highland Hospital. The victim was treated for wounds to the head and released. 

Schofield didn’t have a medical update on Jordan, who was arrested for attempted murder and burglary. 

Jordan’s family said he had a history of mental illness, Schofield said. 

Botched Burglary 

A couple called police when they heard a crash in their living room Monday evening, and when officers arrived about a minute later, they nabbed a man trying to escape. After a brief scuffle, police arrested Daniel Keihn, 20, for burglary, resisting arrest, possession of methamphetamines and possession of a deadly weapon. 

Police to Distribute Free Gun Locks 

Berkeley Police will provide 1100 free safety kits to Berkeley residents through a partnership with Project ChildSafe, a national firearm safety education program. The kits include a gun lock that fit on most types of handguns, rifles and shotguns, along with a safety booklet. They’re available—with no questions asked—as long as supplies last at the Public Safety Building, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Bay Area hospitals have issued an urgent call for blood donors after regional supplies fell so low that a San Francisco hospital was forced to delay open heart surgery Tuesday. 

Though an emergency drive brought levels up to a half-day’s reserve, area hospitals are still faced with a critical shortage, according to Oakland Red Cross representative Sara O’Brien, who said a two-day reserve is considered a minimum in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. 

Especially needed are donations of types O positive, O negative, B positive, and A negative.  

Donors may contact Blood Centers of the Pacific (888-393-GIVE, www.bloodcenters.org) or the American Red Cross (800-GIVE-LIFE, www.beadonor.com).

Randolph Ward came to the Greater Mandana Action Coalition meeting the other night and patted his own back as the guy who’s had the courage and the cojones to make the “tough choices” to reform the Oakland Unified School District, adding more than a minor implication that Oakland school stewards in the recent past have not displayed such leadership. Wrong on both counts, Mr. Ward. But we’ll get back to that point in a bit. 

Watching him work the GMAC crowd, one can easily see why Dr. Ward was picked by State Superintendent Jack O’Connell to be the overseer of the Oakland schools. He’s had a lot of practice at it, after all, this job of running schools without having to answer to local control, and after some seven years of it down in Compton, he knows pretty much what to say, and what to leave out. Dr. Ward approaches his public performances as part Tony Robbins-type motivational faith healer (“We can do it!”) and part stump politician (“I can do it!”), and the performance is so mesmerizing that one is almost tempted to refrain from spoiling the overall effect by digging into the details of exactly what “it” it is to which the good doctor refers. Still, having paid for our tickets and been promised a magic show in which a woman is sawed in half, it does not seem out of the way to politely request if there is still any intent to put her back together again. 

As always, a history lesson is in order, even if it is only recent history. 

The State of California seized control of the Oakland public schools last year, we are told, after the state floated us a $100 million line of credit because we were running out of money. Why we were running out of money, how much money we were running out of, and whether or not we actually needed a $100 million line of credit from the state are still open questions, and subject to debate. Embedded in the law authorizing the school takeover, however, the state legislature did make two things pretty clear: 1) “While in need of a loan from the State of California, there have not been any accusations of intentional mismanagement or fraud in the Oakland Unified School District.” 2) “Despite its financial condition, the Oakland Unified School District has made demonstrable academic improvements over the last few years, witnessed by test score improvements, more fully credentialed teachers in Oakland classrooms, and increased parental and community involvement.” 

And, so, since we were told, many times, that the takeover had nothing to do with academic achievement or school conditions, but only came about because of the loan, Oaklanders had every right to believe that we would regain control of our schools somewhere around the time the money was paid back, or well on its way thereto. 

Last June, when he introduced us to the man who would be running our schools, State Superintendent O’Connell announced that “I’ve asked him [Ward] to put himself out of business as quickly as possible.” On that same day, Dr. Ward indicated that he was in complete agreement. “The idea here is to work myself out of a job,” he told a reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle. “It’s to put in the checks and balances, both fiscally and academically, but we’re not interested in keeping control. We understand there are very capable and caring people who can do that, and the idea is to give the district back to them as soon as possible.” Fair enough. 

So one would think, in his presentation to the folks at GMAC, Dr. Ward might talk about how soon that soon might be, and what plans he had to bring it about. If he did, I missed that part. In fact, Dr. Ward doesn’t seem all that interested in balancing Oakland’s school budget. As soon as he took office, Dr. Ward rejected a plan put together by former Superintendent Dennis Chaconas and the School Board to balance the school district’s budget. (For those who don’t follow economics that much, if you have to take a loan because you’re spending more than you’re taking in, and if you continue to spend more than you’re taking in, then eventually going to run through the loan money, too, and you’re going to be worse off, than ever before.) We now learn through the Tribune that Dr. Ward is purposely going to operate the Oakland Unified School District at least $20 million in the red this year, which is an interesting action by someone who was hired to correct inadvertent overspending. Asked by the Oakland Tribune why he did not think following Chaconas’ and the school board’s plan for a balanced budget was all that important, Dr. Ward said “They cut too far.” 

That opinion (not balancing the school budget) was shared by a representative of the Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT), who said, well, “Last year, the focus in this district was ‘Let’s not get a state loan.’” As if that were a bad thing, both avoiding a state loan, and balancing a budget. 

FCMAT, one might remember, was brought into Oakland because our budget was out of balance. So why was overspending so godawful when Oakland was running its own schools, but not nearly so important now that the state has seized control? 

Anyhow, back to the tough choices thing. Dennis Chaconas and the members of the Oakland School Board recognized their mistake (an unbalanced budget) and corrected it (offering a balanced budget), with the state on its back, with no support from Mayor Brown, facing a hostile teachers union, and having to answer (by law) to the citizens of Oakland. Randolph Ward, with only the state superintendent to report to, overspends without demonstrable consequences.  

So who did the tougher job? You be the judge.

Fired reporter Henry Norr’s offhand snipe that the San Francisco Chronicle “apparently sees no problem in having a Sacramento bureau chief whose wife is Arnold Schwarzenegger's deputy chief of staff and was previously a flack for Maria Shriver” prompted not one but two indignant denials from Chronicle functionaries. They told us that the Chronicle's Sacramento bureau chief, Greg Lucas, has agreed to be reassigned, and is no longer covering the governor, the Legislature or any area of state government.  

That’s not necessarily good news. 

Lucas is an extremely competent newsman with a fine reputation. His former colleague, Rob Gunnison, who now teaches at the UC School of Journalism, says he’s always been “an excellent reporter.” He’s been married to his wife Donna a long time, and she’s been a first-tier flack for Republicans most of that time. She previously worked for Republican Gov. George Deukmejian, and subsequently had her own public relations agency which was acquired by the national PR firm Porter Novelli. (More grist for the conspiracy mill: That firm’s principal, William Novelli, used to be a speechwriter for Newt Gingrich, and he now runs the AARP, which was widely accused of selling out seniors in the debate about the new Medicare bill.) Whew! What does all this have to do with Henry Norr, you might ask? 

There’s a good argument to be made that Henry was wrong if he was intending to suggest that the Chronicle should take Lucas off Sacramento coverage, and that the Chronicle was wrong for doing so. The idea that journalism should be practiced only by the equivalent of Vestal Virgins, people with no experience in or carnal contact with the area they’re reporting on, is a peculiarly American construct that arose sometime around the 1920s, largely at the behest of advertisers. Newspapers in the early days of the Republic were proudly partisan, as most papers in most other parts of the world still are. Even at the end of the twentieth century, some fine folks went back and forth between politics and journalism (John Kennedy, Pierre Salinger and Al Gore are three that come to mind) and the public interest benefited, overall.  

A reporter who has never heard a political campaigner say “you can’t overestimate the laziness of newsies” is a set-up for a cleverly written press release that seems to plug a news hole. A business writer who doesn’t know anyone in business is more likely to swallow Enron-type publicity, as many did before the real story was finally uncovered. In an era of two-career families, extending the concept of conflict of interest to spouses can produce ludicrous results. A business writer of my acquaintance was taken off her beat because her husband was “in business;” i.e. was a minor executive in a company which was very unlikely to be newsworthy.  

As far as the Lucasses are concerned, their relationship has never been a secret: They’ve even used the same name, not common among professional couples these days. They’re not fooling anyone, and there’s no sign Lucas is pulling his punches because his wife might have done some work for the bad guys. A Google search on his name produces a whole web page attacking his reporting, authored by the tobacco industry, big users of political PR. He must be doing something right if he has that kind of enemies. He’s never showed any signs of pro-Republican bias in his reporting. Taking him out of the action in Sacramento does no favor for Chronicle readers who want to find out as much as possible about what’s going on there. 

Becky O’Malley is executive editor of the Berkeley Daily Planet.

California now ranks dead last in the country in per capita arts spending, at three cents per person, according to the most recent report from the almost-extinct California Arts Council. Last year, the 27-year-old Arts Council was decimated by a 94 percent budget cut from the Legislature and the governor. This situation is deeply ironic in a state which owes so much to the entertainment industry, which in turn has always relied on the talent produced by California’s formerly excellent arts education program, especially since so many of our political leaders, including the current governor, came from that industry. 

Gavin Newsom, the new mayor of San Francisco, famous as the author of “Care not Cash,” now wants to be seen as a supporter of the arts, even though he has no previous track record as a patron of arts events. Steven Winn in the San Francisco Chronicle did a long column on Newsom’s arty intentions on Tuesday, quoting him as saying, “It's important, symbolically and substantively, that I demonstrate not just a passing interest or election-day promise. It's important that I show my commitment.” Good enough, but he might have a way to go.  

La Boheme opened Tuesday night at the San Francisco Opera. There were banks of searchlights criss-crossing the sky out in front. Asked why, a ticket-taker said they were there because the new mayor was supposed to be attending. In the balcony, we didn’t see him, or at least we probably didn’t see him. The third act opened on a snowy Paris street scene, with homeless beggars huddled under blankets on the stage. In strode a top-hatted gentleman in an opera cloak, who ostentatiously kicked the beggars out of his way as he passed. In the audience, in the balcony, a stage-whisper: “Is that Gavin Newsom?” Well, no, probably not, but you never know. Good taste tip for the newbie: Going to the opera is great, but hold the searchlights. Nonetheless, bravo to Newsom for trying to do the right thing. 

Matt Gonzalez probably had more support from working artists in the recent election, especially from the ones who claim to have inherited the counter-cultural mantle. A favorite tactic of cost-cutters is to pit supporters of “elite” arts like classical music against supporters of “popular” art forms like murals, in contention for the shrinking dollar. That’s a trap we shouldn’t let ourselves fall into. All of the arts cross-nourish one another, and supporting any of the arts benefits the whole community. Principal actors in the beloved populist San Francisco Mime Troupe make the rent in the off season as Equity actors in more bourgeois houses like ACT.  

It all starts in the schools. Berkeley Symphony (and L.A. Opera) Conductor Kent Nagano credits his career to publicly funded arts education, as does Oakland Symphony conductor Michael Morgan. Both are devoted supporters of in-school music programs.  

The arts programs have traditionally been the crown jewels of Berkeley’s public school system. A recent New Yorker article profiled soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, now 49, who graduated from Berkeley High School. “They had an amazing music program—an orchestra and three choirs,” she told the writer. “I sang solos in Mozart’s C-Minor Mass and had a wonderful time as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof.” Many other Berkeley High graduates, especially jazz musicians, have gone on to fame and fortune, but even more now share their talents with students and audiences in less glamorous settings closer to home. 

Berkeley audiences have a couple of upcoming chances to see how well our school music programs are doing these days, and to contribute to their support. Berkeley High’s usually fabulous Dance Production will play at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, on the Allston Way side of the high school campus, at 8 p.m. for the next two weekends: Jan. 9, 10, 16, 17. There will be a festive performance and benefit for Berkeley High Jazz Ensemble, Thurs. Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. 

If you have time to get involved with what’s going on at the state level, you should plan to attend the upcoming California Arts Council meeting in San Francisco on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004. Titled “ Arts Funding Cuts in California: A Critical Response on the State of the Arts by State and National Leaders,” the meeting is a response to the statewide arts funding crisis. Councilmembers will assess the serious economic situation facing arts organizations in California as well as review the goal of the California Arts Council to advance arts, culture, and creativity in the state. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. in the Judicial Council Board Room (third floor) of the Hiram Johnson State Building, 455 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco. It will run until 3 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break at noon. The public is invited to attend and address the meeting during public comments. 

Becky O’Malley is executive editor of the Berkeley Daily Planet.